Cady Falkner Continues To Break The Hottest Talent

Cady Falkner is a 35-year-old Chicago native, currently wearing the sonic hat of an emerging A&R within the hip-hop industry. Currently residing in Killeen, TX, the Chicago-born music connoisseur has almost 7 years of skin in the game, also creating and launching rising management and media company, NQA. To learn more about Cady’s journey, be sure to check out his exclusive Q&A with On Tha Rize below:

• What year or age were you when you decided that you wanted to work within the music industry? What was your first attempt? 

Well, music has been around my whole life — my dad was a music head. I used to carry crates for Crucial Conflict’s DJ as a kid, and I even used to rap a little myself. But I always looked up to Quincy Jones, Dr Dre and Diddy. I saw how they were more than the creation of music. They were moguls, and that’s when I knew I wanted to do something more. I started A&R officially in 2016. A few years later, I started NQA management and media in 2019, and everything has been going pretty strong. 

• As an A&R, Cady Falkner what has been the greatest gift in your journey? What has been the biggest challenge(s)?

The greatest gift in my journey is making timeless music and connections because in this industry, truly good music and friendship is rare. When you really meet people that want to help you win or put you in the same situation — that’s real. 

The biggest challenge is staying motivated and realizing that your goals don’t align with everyone else’s. Also, having hard-headed artists and handling unreliable companies is a challenge as well.

• Who are some artists you have scouted or assisted?

Chelly Flame. Dubbo. Jban$. Jay Lev. TRAPBABY43. Diino1x. KD Nelley. Lil Boss Luck. GMB Lil Dre. Jane Zolanski. GYMB Zaa.

• What inspired you to be involved within music initially? 

The love of the art form that many people have. I’m a producer at heart, and also grew up in the school of thorough projects, and just the era of making great music. But, I also saw many artists that needed direction and guidance on how to get to the next level. I wanted to learn how to help them. 

I watched endless music videos growing up, viewing the rise of Dipset and Rocafella — watching artists become executives. 

• What genres would you say you have the most expertise in?

Hip Hop and R&B of course, Rock And Jazz. I’m really into Country believe it or not. In the next few years I aim to sign a Country artist and take him all over the world. 

• What are some tips you would provide newer A&Rs coming onto the scene?

Don’t be afraid to scout talent up close. GO TO THE TRENCHES. GO TO SHOWCASES GO TO MIXERS. GO TO CLUBS. Go shake hands don’t act funny towards artists and managers, and respect up and coming people as they respect you. The music industry is a revolving circle. You will see everyone again. 

• What are some other skills you are privy with in relation to music?

Marketing. Promotions. Publishing and mechanical licensing. I could go all day. You just have to tap in with me and see what NQA offers.

• Have you collaborated on any projects, releases or anything of the sort? 

Yes. I have 14 released projects and 2 collaborations with artists and brands. 

• Describe some accolades you have achieved:

I have secured distribution deals for artists through EQ Distro. I’ve secured record deals for artist Chelly Flame and Dubbo, as well as producer Extraordinaire The Birdhouse (alongside my friend and colleague, Donnie Cash). I’ve done over 7 showcases and counting, and now have experience as a SXSW Stage Manager. Independently, my management and media company is sitting at 521K streams — NO MAJOR LABEL OR BACKING. 

• Do you have anything exclusive to mention? 

I have a couple of projects coming up with Double O / BabyGrande Records. I also have projects I’m working on with a few clubs to promote and bring my NQA ladies brand out into Houston and Dallas. Much love to my affiliates Zippsquad Ent, HHZ GLOBAL, Pop Austin Media and Go Rogue Podcast. And shoutout to my NQA team entirely. 

If you didn’t know, stay tuned for these trailblazing talents to drop as well! Jay Lev will be dropping “JBan$” sooner than later. Also be sure to check out: “All For You” by KD Nelley, “Shush” by Jane Zolanski ,”Mood” by Diino1X. 

• Please let us know where we can keep up with you: 

FB – Cady Falkner

IG – @Biggang_039 or @NQA.Management_Media