BY: MIKE TRAMPE

It’s a Wednesday night in Philadelphia and while most are at home, some of the hardest working individuals in the music business (let alone Philly) are at the Arts Garage for Sandman’s P.C.P. Events.  It is one of those night’s that the drinks win the first few rounds while I fight back trying to stay afloat.  It’s around 1:30AM and the night is coming to an end, as I flick my last cigarette (yes I’m a social smoker, lol) I am greeted by Jodie asking me for my keys.  I insist I am ok but she has the look of a concerned mother that tells me otherwise.  I hand them over and gladly let her drive my car back to the Exponent lab where I can sober up.

To some this may be surprising and to some it may be a very normal routine, but this one night can show you the type of person Jodie is.  She is always looking out for other people, she always has the best interest in mind for other people and MOST importantly she does it because she truly cares not because she expects something in return.

I have worked in this music industry for years now and have come across numerous people and I must say Jodie is one of the most down to earth, humble and unique individuals I know.  It is my pleasure to have met her, built a very REAL business relationship with her and maybe even had a few arguments with her over music, lol.

I encourage everyone to get familiar with Jodie because she will be around in the music industry for years to come.  I encourage everyone to get to know her as a person as well, I know I have, and that is why I consider her a TRUE FRIEND and not a business colleague!

Enjoy!

For the people who don’t know, please let them know who you are, what your about, where your from, and what exactly you do right now in the music industry?

Let’s see … My name is Jodie … sometimes Jodie S. I am one of the owners of Exponent Entertainment along with my partner Ccelli. Im all about peace and love … kidding … well I am but Im also about giving artists a fair platform and the knowledge to forge ahead in the music industry.

Exponent Entertainment is a management and consulting company for artists. We work with DJ NoPhrillz, Benja Styles, E. Ness, Big Lou, TrapStreet, J. Griff, Rich Quick, Doesya, Nico the Beast, OC Diesel and more.  We also have DJ NoPhrillz, Benja Styles, and Big OC Diesel’s radio show called Official Street Radio.

What artist(s) are you currently working with right now?  Also, what projects have you been a part of in the past that people may or may not be familiar with?

DJ NoPhrillz, Benja Styles, E. Ness, Big Lou, TrapStreet, J. Griff, Rich Quick, Doesya, Nico the Beast, OC Diesel and more.

There are a ton of projects coming up! Just keep watching www.officialstreetradio.com … details are coming.

You received a full scholarship to Millersville University for Media Arts & International Studies, have studied piano & voice your whole life, ran corporate training programs for large companies and have worked for some of the leading Real Estate developers in the Philadelphia Region.  You have accomplished a lot along the way, how does it compare to what you have done in the music industry, and how were you able to incorporate what you have learned throughout your life into your music industry career?

It’s funny because it feels like everything I have been doing since high school has led up to this in some way. As you are going through life you don’t always understand the lessons you are being taught. For example, the music training that I have enables me to relate with the artists more. The training programs I ran gave me the guidance that I needed to teach. And the Real Estate industry gave me incredible insight into business. I also spent a year on tour which taught me so much about that whole process.

I worked really hard though, none of it was easy but I was blessed to have a supportive family and a mother who was a great role model.

Do you feel it’s tougher to be a woman in the hip hop industry then it is to be a man, and why/why not?

There are challenges for anyone being in this industry. I guess one of mine is being a woman. I try not to dwell on it or look at it as an obstacle, but it inevitably rears its head from time to time. However, I try to keep focused on my business. I want to be seen as a business person first, but I also want to be respected as a lady.

I personally have been exposed to just about everything in the music industry, personally have you ever been offered “Special Services” for your music industry services, lol? If so, how did you handle the situation(s)?

Ha-ha – interesting question … yes I have been offered some weird things but I try not to put myself in situations that could be awkward. You are always going to meet people who push the envelope. It’s all about how you handle it … saying no and bringing it back to the money usually gets the situation back on track lol.

What is a regular day like for Jodie from Exponent Entertainment? From what cereal you eat to how many phone calls you have to deal with?

My phone does not stop, but that’s a good thing because at least it means Im working.

First thing I do is wake up, grab my phone and go through messages, even before Im out of bed. Next I walk to the corner for coffee, which is my life force. Then shower and get dressed. I usually make breakfast … Im weird with food … I buy local and usually organic … so breakfast is eggs and vegetables typically. Then I turn on the music. Im really proud of my digital music collection and how organized it is!

Then I have a morning routine of messages, social networking, etc. … that takes an hour or two. I have so many email accounts to go through every day.

From there I get right into the day, which could be meetings with clients, artists, businesses or going to the studio … each day is kind of different.

I try to make dinner every night. If there is time I’ll exercise and regroup a little for the evening.

We typically have events at night, so it’s another shower, get dressed for the night, head out with whichever artist is doing something that evening. Come home check emails again, maybe read a little, get my mind right for the next day, make a to do list for the following day and off to sleep!

You Manage/Work with a lot of artists (mostly all men); do you feel like you have to play the mother role sometimes?

If I was a mom, which Im not, I’d be proud to have the people around me as sons and daughters. I’ve been so blessed to be surrounded with great people. I do play the mother role sometimes because I genuinely care about them. I want to make sure they eat right, they are getting enough sleep, they’re safe, and most importantly happy.

Top 5 Philly artists of all time?

I hate these questions … lol … they are so hard to answer especially in a city that is so musically rich … from Pop Art Records to Gamble and Huff to State Property, The Roots to the present artists like Meek Millz and Reef the Lost Cauze.. They all contribute something.

Plus we have all other genres of music that Philly did so much for … we had Chubby Checker, John Coltrane, Frankie Avalon, Teddy Pendergrass, Jill Scott … the list is endless.

And you can’t forget our DJ history in Philadelphia … Jazzy Jeff, Too Tuff, Cash Money to DJ NoPhrillz.

Top 5 grub spots in Philly?

There is an Italian Place in South Philly that we frequented so much they named a table after us. It’s called La Fourno. I like Umai and Mercato for nice sit down dinner. For quick food, Reading Terminal Market and Mazza.

Most slept on upcoming artist in Philly?

Right now I’d have to say Loose & PT, J. Griff, and Nico the Beast.

Is it true you have a crush on Yelawolf? If so, why?

Damn Twitter… lol … yes I have a crush on Yelawolf … but my rap crushes change all the time. I also have a huge one on B.o.B.

Im all about originality. I think Yelawolf has a great story and he is doing some interesting things with his music. Past crushes have been from Common to Flo-Rida … don’t ask … lol

What is the difference between Rap and Hip Hop to you?

Rap is a genre of music and Hip Hop is a culture. I think what attracted me to hip hop was the hope that lies within it. I met so many people that were positive and really trying to make a difference with what they were saying, I couldn’t help but be inspired by it.

What are your current thoughts on the hip hop industry today?

I feel like all genres of music are merging to create new sounds, which is exciting to me. I feel like 2010 is going to be the year of the reunions and interesting collabs. But I think the industry is swinging back around a little bit and understanding that although the internet is your best friend in the music business… nothing compares to being with your fans in person. I don’t want to see the industry become completely “digital”. There is something great about vinyl or a cd and nothing beats a live show.

I do feel like the industry is saturated though. Everybody wants to be a rapper but a lot of times it’s for the wrong reasons. If you are doing this for money then you may get it but it’s not doing a service to the culture.

Do you ever feel the urge to quit the hip hop industry and pursue some of the outlets you experienced in the past?

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t, I have my moments but Im doing exactly what Im supposed to be doing in my life. I have little things on the side that I still do for real estate but Exponent is my main focus.

I personally believe that 85% of the music industry is networking, who you know & relationships.  Do you agree or disagree and how important is networking?

It’s the MOST important thing you can do. Relationships are everything. Whether it be with a person in the industry or a fan … how you cultivate the relationship with someone will make or break you.

If you could give advice to any artist, promoter, journalist or hip hop kid trying to make a career out of this culture, what would you say to them?

Never lose the desire. Keep focused on your goals and always move straight ahead. There are challenges with any industry and any job. You need to learn to deal with the challenges and get past them but the passion needs to be there!

Why do you think Philly hasn’t advanced more in the hip hop industry as of late? What are you doing to change it and how would you encourage people to change it?

I think we have … People talk about Philly all the time. Right now we have some artists doing really big things. We just don’t always see it here in the city because they are getting more support from outside Philly.

The problem with Philly has always been the same thing. Pick an artist and get behind them, stopping competing. We will move as a unit way more effectively then we will as solo units.

All I can do is help my artists create quality music, get it to the fans, and remain true to what I believe in.

I read that you taught wine classes? That’s very interesting; can you fill us in on that? Are you a big wine drinker? Any favorites?

Wine is kind of like a hobby to me.  I started teaching classes as something fun for myself to do outside of music. I do love wine … I can’t lie. I’m really into Chilean reds right now.

Name one quote you live by?

A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral. -Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I know you guys have the “Who’s Phraudin” segment on Official Street Radio, so do you have anyone that is Phraudin that you want to “Tramp”? Yes my segment is going to be called who do you want to “Tramp”, lol Trample, kick dirt on, you know!

Ha-ha … today I would like to “Tramp” the IRS … it’s April 15^th as Im doing this and well … can you say “file extension”.

Please let the people know how they can get in touch with you and any projects that you have coming up.

Jodie@exponententertainment.com

Twitter.com/ExponentEnt

Facebook.com/JSaueraker

Listen to Official Street Radio with DJ NoPhrillz, Benja Styles, and Big OC Diesel at www.officialstreetradio.com every Monday night at midnight!

Any Shout out’s?

A big shout out to the one and only Mike Trampe – a master at what he does!!!

Ccelli, Angeline, dani jay, Marcus, Jocelyn, DJ NoPhrillz, Benja Styles, E. Ness, Big Lou, TrapStreet, J. Griff, Rich Quick, Doesya, Nico the Beast, OC Diesel, B. Mack, Coast 2 Coast, Street Spittas Ent, iStandard, Maad Management, On Da Run Ent, BAU Ent, Sound Barrier, RMR, YBME, Memory Lane, BeeEater Records, Break Bread Projects,  … all the Philly Artists and everyone I cross paths with on the day to day. Im sure Im forgetting someone and they will remind me and I’ll have to make it up to them.