Milkbar Mates: Dylan Walsh of Garden State Journal

Milkbar Mates: Dylan Walsh of Garden State Journal

Milkbar Mates will be a running blog I'd like to highlight the people in my life by styling them in a shoot aiming to bring out the best in their identity. With the questions I aim to see where their aspirations and sensibilities lye.

Dyl and I started hanging out late in high school. Basically every creative achievement has been some what of a collaborative effort since. It's been great seeing him first struggle with structure and planning before coming into his own as a legit director especially in the last few months. Thought his perspectives would be really valuable to those lookin to get their shit together. For everyone that doesn't know Dyl directs all the Milkbar videos, don't know where I'd be without having his talent to assist in communicating my brand. Anyone who's reading this go DM @gardenstatejournal and tell him I said Cheers 🍻

- Simo

 

What is a man to you?

A man to me is someone who stays composed in the face of challenges. This is a person who isn't quiet because he's "bottling up his feelings" - but rather because he trusts himself to find solutions within the problems he's faced with. It's someone who backs themselves in with whatever they do, and is constantly looking to improve/learn. It doesn't really matter to me how good that man is at any respective task (or how smart they are) - but rather their level of enthusiasm and commitment to getting better.

Who is a man to you? (Movie character, celebrity, someone in your life)

The one which comes to mind is Action Bronson. His level of passion for anything he puts himself into (music, cooking, surfing) is unlike anyone else. He backs himself in and sees his own worth. He dosen't get caught up on huge ideas and has a strong appreciation for simple things: good food, art/movies, etc. He's probably very smart but dosen't flex it ever.

Another one which comes to mind cause I've been reading his biography is early Anthony Bourdain (turned into a whack cunt later on but also had a lot of personal issues). Threw himself into kitchens from a young age and remained strong composure at cooking school when he'd get sprayed by the senior chefs, whereas others would ball their eyes out. I love that arrogance that - even though he knew he wasn't the best chef in the room - he had a commitment to showing up and keeping his head high. One of those people you know are serious about their craft, since he only found success as a media personality in his mid 40s. I really fuck with anyone who finds that success later in life, because you really know that they've been chipping away for years and are dead serious about their craft.

What is the Australian Dream to you?

The Australian Dream, to me, is a simple life. Living on a block where I barely have to leave the area. Dinner and drinks with a couple mates in the backyard, a family. Working at my craft (also my job) feels seperate from that, as I'd say doing that work then allows people to understand the Australian Dream more and aspire to it. At some point, I hope to find a balance between creating work which demonstrates and develops the Australian dream - and being able to live it myself.

Who do you look at that you think lives the Australian Dream?

It's funny, not really many people seem to actually live it to me - as I feel we're still developing the idea. I have a few cousins which live pretty simple lives now - tradies by day, surfers and family men. My cousin Scott comes pretty close to that. Legit dosen't leave the country and if he wants to travel, gets in his van and goes around Australia.

And in comparison to some of my other cousins who are lawyers, business people etc... he is way happier and healthier. I love the fact that i barely see him - cause I know he's just out there living his life and having fun while also raising a kid now.

Where do you see yourself after achieving your goal of making a few great Australian Films? What does that day to day lifestyle look like?

This is the most interesting question. I'd like to help raise a new generation of filmmakers - teach them as much as possible but I guess I'm already doing this. As I mentioned earlier, would love to be able to live that Australian dream myself - but as long as I can filmmaking will always be part of what I do.

Family is very important to me, so building both a close family and extended community of people who can all work together/grow together will be important as I get older.

I do think I'd like to kick it a bit more when I'm older too (especially once I've proven myself and the opportunities are coming to me in excess - and I am well off/comfortable). I don't really give a shit about travelling though. I just wanna be able to afford to go to the movies, sit around have coffees and talk shit. A simple life. Become a better cook, read lots, be a good partner, and take care of my parents.

Physically/Exercise wise what does your ideal self look like?

Just a little bit healthier, leaner then I am right now. I just want to feel a base level of good every day - have lots of energy... and exercise enough that I can afford to put myself in a food coma once a week. Be in the sun lots, incorporate some basic weight training on a consistent basis, and eventually start swinging some Bulgarian bags like Action Bronson just for fun. Nothing crazy. Eventually be in the position where I can afford to Ski regularly as it's my favorite thing to do and also gives you a great workout. Probably surf in summer if I get into it.

What’s a value/trait you are working to gain or would like to gain?

Keeping my word. There's nothing which bothers me more then people who talk absolute shit, and don't deliver on their promises. You can barely trust a man who can't keep his word - it shows a lack of reliability. Values don't mean anything if you can't live up to them.

What piece of yourself do you find in the branding of Milkbar?

The overall tasteful/reverence for Australian culture. Milkbar treats the Australian identity with a sense of respect (while still being fun and irreverent). I relate to that as I feel we are often encouraged to dismiss our identity as Australians as a pisstake.

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