Paul Grimstad is an American composer, writer, actor and academic known for his work in film scoring, avant-pop music and cultural commentary. He has contributed music to several independent films, published essays in prominent venues, and teaches in the Humanities Program at Yale University.
Grimstad earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. [1] He later earned a Ph.D at New York University.
Grimstad joined the faculty at Yale University in 2007, initially in the Department of English, and later moved to the Humanities Program. [1] In 2013 he published the book Experience and Experimental Writing with Oxford University Press. He currently serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Humanities major. In 2014, he received the Sarai Ribicoff ’79 Award for Teaching Excellence. [2] He has also taught at Columbia University and New York University.
Grimstad composed the original scores for several independent films, including:
For Thirst Street, Grimstad composed a synth-heavy score inspired by Gabriel Yared, and contributed an original song performed in the film by actress Lindsay Burdge. [5]
The Sweet East's opening credits sequence features actress Talia Ryder singing Grimstad's original song "Evening Mirror," composed specifically for the film. [6]
Outside of film, Grimstad composes and produces original songs in the avant-pop genre. [7] On September 30, 2025, Grimstad will simultaneously release SONGS, a new avant-pop record, Music For Film, a compilation of his film score work, and Live at Baby's All Right, a live EP. [8]
In addition to composing the film's score, Grimstad played a supporting role in Ronald Bronstein’s 2007 independent film Frownland . The film was later added to the Criterion Collection. [9]
Grimstad appears in director Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film One Battle After Another as the character Howard Sommerville. [4] He also has a role in the new Josh Safdie film Marty Supreme.
Grimstad is also a literary and cultural critic whose essays have appeared in numerous prominent publications. His work covers topics such as jazz, contemporary music, literary aesthetics, and audiobook culture. Select contributions include:
Grimstad has appeared on various podcasts discussing music and cultural theory, including: