DM Stith spent a year writing, arranging, recording and performing the music on Heavy Ghost—even creating the album's artwork. The album features musical contributions from Sufjan Stevens and Shara Worden and includes a variety of instruments such as piano, strings, clarinets, percussion and saxophone.

Stith's musical career began in Brooklyn contributing design help on Shara Worden's albums, as well as backup vocals and piano to songs on Bring Me The Workhorse. During that period Stith began composing his own work tapping into an earlier passion. Worden encouraged him to share his private songs with Asthmatic Kitty Records, and after hearing only two demo songs, the label invited Stith to write and record an album. He may have taken coaxing from friends to get on stage, but now that he is there he stands confidently and ready to perform the first act.