3 Questions with David Muhlenfeld, Creative Director + Brand Songwriter

Since launching his first music-driven campaign for FreeCreditReport.com in 2007, David Muhlenfeld has created dozens of music-driven spots for clients including Coca-Cola & Walmart, Comcast/Xfinity, Sabra, Norwegian Cruise Line, and most notably, Oreo. His “Wonderfilled” songs have been recorded by artists including Adam Lambert, Owl City, Kacey Musgraves, Tegan & Sara, Chromeo, Lights and Yelle, and have been translated into foreign languages from Arabic to Mandarin Chinese. His Oreo work is also in the permanent collection of the MoMA. A specialist in helping brands express themselves through music, David also runs his own boutique music company, English Major LLC. We catch up with him for this week's 3 Questions.

If you weren't making ads, what would you be doing?

Ghostwriting songs for people half my age, typing the sort of novels that end up getting left in beach houses, developing about six TV series ideas with a former creative partner, and helping my wife Leah conquer the world.

What advice would you give your 20 year old self?

Pay close attention to what brings you joy. Even if it seems a bit ridiculous or unfashionable. There’s no better guide to who you are and what you should be doing with your life.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A trail run in the autumn; a hot row in the summer; a good book and a glass of Pollak viognier; brainstorming life goals with my wife; watching my kids perform whatever skit they’ve made up that afternoon; and that moment when I know a song is going to work.

Find out more about David Muhlenfeld here. Shop The Windham Print here. Photos by Kate Magee.