Today, Sweet Talk Publicity introduces its newly expanded team, spotlighting the continued growth of the in-demand boutique firm. Led by veteran entertainment executive Jensen Sussman, the Nashville-based company now includes Abbey Frederick as Account Executive, Hailey Johnsen as Junior Account Executive, and LillyMarie Smith as Publicity Coordinator.
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Sweet Talk’s growing team builds on nearly two decades of success for the agency, which Sussman founded in 2008 and steadily transformed into one of music’s most sought-after boutique firms. As president of Sweet Talk, Sussman joins Frederick, Johnsen, and Smith in executing elevated, impactful, and highly individualized campaigns for its roster of established stars and emerging talent — a dynamic slate of artists including DIAMOND-certified singer/songwriter Brian Kelley, multi-platinum superstar Gabby Barrett, Country legend Trace Adkins, breakout phenomenon Ty Myers, and more.
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PICTURED: ABBEY FREDERICK
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Equipped with extensive expertise in brand strategy and digital marketing, Frederick arrived at Sweet Talk after a half-decade in the luxury fashion industry. A Louisiana State University graduate, she launched her career in Los Angeles at MadaLuxe Group (a global luxury platform that distributes and develops leading fashion, lifestyle, and venture tech brands) and embarked on her next chapter in New York City before relocating to Nashville. At Sweet Talk, she draws on her brand-building savvy to develop innovative campaigns, secure meaningful media opportunities, and strategically amplify the narratives of Sweet Talk’s artists.
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With a strong foundation in fast-paced, consumer-facing PR, Johnsen graduated from Nevada State University and got her start at Las Vegas-based agency Wicked Creative, where she supported hospitality clients in the restaurant and nightlife space. Since moving to Nashville to pursue her passion for music publicity, she’s channeled that experience into generating high-impact media placements and orchestrating attention-grabbing campaigns for Sweet Talk’s carefully curated roster.
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PICTURED: LILLYMARIE SMITH
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Recently promoted to Publicity Coordinator, Smith joined Sweet Talk soon after graduating from Belmont University, where she immersed herself in the industry through internships with Big Machine Label Group, Universal Music Group, JONESWORKS, and more. In her new position at Sweet Talk, she plays a vital role in campaigns across the firm’s client base, tapping into her natural affinity for artist storytelling as well as her distinct talent for navigating both the creative and business aspects of the music world.
With its latest high-profile signings including GRAMMY-winning powerhouse The Band Perry and rising star Stella Lefty, Sweet Talk also represents hitmaking duo LOCASH, multi-platinum chart-topper Nate Smith, Country star Ashley Cooke, multi-hyphenate sensation K. Michelle, Country-Soul troubadour Drake White, and acclaimed artist-songwriter Alana Springsteen, along with major festival brand Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival.
Over the years, Sussman has harnessed her strategic vision and immense creativity to propel the rise of some of the biggest names in modern Country, including era-defining artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Morgan Wallen, and Megan Moroney. Armed with 25 years of publicity experience, she’s emerged as an industry leader and earned recognition as a Nashville Power Player in Billboard, a behind-the-scenes star in Variety’s Music City Impact Report, and a Rising Woman on the Row in MusicRow, in addition to garnering multiple nominations for Publicist of the Year from the CMA Touring Awards.
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