Torque Niemi's Year Of The Dog Mix
Going to give it to you straight up this time. This is one of the best mixes we’ve had yet. You should put this on if you like listening to music. Post Up Radio. Click the link.
Our good friend, fellow Washington native, and fellow hooper Torque Niemi handled the mix this week. This mix being so good doesn’t surprise us, as he’s meticulous about the products he puts out. He’s a clothing designer and pattern maker who’s only released two garments to the public, both of which immediately sold out. The first piece was the Dual-Tone Gloria Pant, an instant hit, and by far the best fashion iteration of work pants we’ve seen. Be on the lookout for more to come from him.
What was your start in designing clothes and pattern making?
The first thing I ever made was a pair of sweatpants with my mom when I was 8 years old. I’ve always been interested in fashion but I began taking the design process seriously when I went to school for it. I also had a fake snowboard company that I made beanies for when I was in 8th grade. Someone still has those beanies somewhere.
You were raised in Skagit Valley, rural Washington, how has that influenced the clothes you produce?
I grew up around a lot of people wearing workwear. There are lots of farmers in Skagit Valley and my dad is a metal worker, so a lot of Carhartt around the house. Durable clothes that you keep around for a long time. Skagit is also a big hispanic area, so that culture of Chuck Taylors and 501s was tied in.
When designing a garment, what’s the fit you’re looking for?
These days I’m interested in making clothes that are a bit bigger as they fit all body types. Anyone can wear something that’s bigger, whoever you are and whatever size you wear. When you get into fitted clothes, it becomes restrictive of who can wear it.
Outside of fashion, where do you find inspiration for your design process?
I’m inspired a lot by nature and where I grew up, especially when it comes to the color palettes I work with. I’m generally drawn to greens, blues and browns. I want to shout out Chuckanut Drive, Deception Pass, Cap Sante, but especially Chuckanut. Every day after school me and the homies would just post up there. It’s an extremely scenic drive between Skagit Valley and Bellingham that’s along the side of a mountain, there are a ton of spots to pull off and hike. We’d have bonfires overlooking the bay. They shoot car commercials up there.
Who has the best off court style in the NBA?
It’s gotta be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, although some of stuff is a bit wild for me. Have to shout out to Jeff Green for having his grown and sexy shit going on, he looks like a normal human being. Also have to shout out Frank Jackson, he has actual good style and is probably the only player in the NBA who knows who Homeshake is.
If you could dress one person for the met gala who would it be and why?
Part of me wants to say Channing Tatum right now, he’s having his renaissance moment. I also think it’d be super cool to dress a WNBA player. A’ja Wilson has crazy swag, I’d want to put her in a kelly green tailored suit.
Any messages for the people?
People sleep on Seattle as a hoop town. People don’t understand how many players we send to the league. We need our respect.
Music to cook to: Sade - Lovers Rock
Music to drive to: Neil Young - On the Beach
Music to work out to: Kodak Black - Project Baby 2
Music for a cocktail hour: D’Angelo - Black Messiah
Music that’s a guilty pleasure: Omar Apollo
Music to Post Up to: WIKI & Navy Blue - “Can’t Do This Alone”
Torque Niemi’s Year Of The Dog Mix Track List:
Duval Timothy - First Rain
cktrl - will the feelings leave
Yo La Tengo - Green Arrow
Prince - 17 Days (Piano & A Microphone 1983 Version)
Anna Domino - Everyday, I Don’t
reggie - I Don’t Wanna Feel No More
Patrice Rushen - To Each His Own
Kool and the Gang - You Don’t Have to Change
SiR - Footsteps in the Dark Pts. 1 & 2
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons - December, 1963 (Oh What A Night!)
Moodymann - Desire
Frankie Knuckles - The Whistle Song
Max B - I Gotta Habit
Odunsi (The Engine) - Fuji 5000
Shawny Binladen & Bizzy Banks - Whole Lotta Wickery
Babyxsosa - LONELY NIGHTS IN NY
You can follow Torque on Instagram