A Conversation With Tate Canyon

Who is Tate Canyon?

Mxrkus: So, describe who you are and what you do. Introduce yourself to people who might not know who you are or what 1988CALIFRONIA

Canyon: I’m Tate Canyon and I’m an artist that is the owner of the brand 1988CALIFORNIA and the magazine, CRISIS.

Tate's Brands

Mxrkus: Is Crisis & 1988califronia two different brands, or are they all just one, or is Crisis a sub brand?

Canyon: CRISIS is the name of our magazine and radio station. Thought of it during the pandemic and started as a 24/7 radio station. It’s now transitioned from conversations live, to conversations on paper.

His Beginnings

Mxrkus: How old were you when you realized that a brand was what you wanted to do?

Canyon: I’ve been doing Black Friday sales since I was 14. I was the kid selling crewnecks out of his backpack in middle school. I got my first brand tattooed on me. I knew right away this was the shit I wanted to do.

Mxrkus: So you started off doing YouTube, what was it like transitioning to making videos for a brand and just starting up your own company?

Canyon: It was my first online outlet. I found YouTube in the first grade before a lot of people. I posted my first video in 2011. Possibly before that. Was the first stepping stone of the internet for me. Seeing YouTubers grow up online, 2010 some had merch and I got interested in the clothing game by seeing all this whack concert/merch from other famous people and shit and wanted to make cooler, better things.

Future Expansions

Mxrkus: Are you going to expand into the music scene, like start a label, or host shows/performances?

Canyon: I’ve done shows, music videos, management, and even made music for the 1988cal brand with my own curated artists pre-2022 but after moving to LA and working with an actual record label, I really want no part in working with artists like that anymore. Maybe in the future.

Travel Plans

Mxrkus: I’m not entirely sure if 1988CALIFORNIA is just a cali brand or if it’s international, but I know that Tyler, the Creator is probably a huge inspiration to you. His most recent album Call Me If You Get Lost, has a travel theme. Have you ever thought about doing a collection or a magazine spread just about traveling around the states, if not the world?

Canyon: CRISIS is a specifically curated list of writers, photographers, designers, and creators from all over the United States and Canada. This last magazine I believe we had 12 people on board, scattered all throughout the states. Cali, NY, Washington, Canada, New Jersey, the list goes on. Trying to expand as much as I could.

On a different note, I love traveling in my car. I’m that weird mf that will drive like 2 hours just for a churro or a smoothie. The destination is dope but I’ve been driving all over California ever since I could, exploring the area and seeing what else there is to where I live.

College Plans

Mxrkus: So on the about page of Tatelovett.com, you talk about working towards your bachelors of fine arts degree, how's that going at the moment?

Canyon: Pandemic fucked that up for me as my majors were fashion and video production. All rental equipment was banned, team activities weren’t existent, and they stopped building the new campus and decided to take down the current one. So with that said, this art shit gotta work out because I can’t go back anytime soon. Looks like a big ass waste of time now.

Tips for the Youth

Mxrkus: Do you have any tips for teenagers or even adults looking to enroll in college for their fine arts degree? Do you feel like it’s worth it?

Canyon: Before the pandemic, I might have said yes. But now I really believe it’s a scam. I had some great teachers and learned some great things, trust. Everybody will. But if you took that $100,000 and invested into anywhere else in a smart way, you can't see anything wrong in it. It’s your first adult decision that’s worth over $20,000 a year. Be smart.

Mxrkus: Would you consider 1988CALIFORNIA to be multimedia?

Canyon: Of course. Magazine alone is.

The Future of Tate Canyon

Mxrkus: What is your vision for yourself, and your brand in the next 5 years?

Canyon: Got lots of dope shit planned. Already having talks for issue three and some new home accessories. Excited to hit the ground running.

Message to the Youth

Mxrkus: What is your message to the youth & other young creators that are looking to do what you do?

Canyon: Don’t let anybody stop you. Use what you have. Do what you like. Explain WHY you like things and really dial in on it. Once you know what you like and why you like something specific and you’re able to express yourself with art and tell a story. That’s it. Money is not a problem. You can make any idea happen if you hustle. Invest that money somewhere else.