Emily Ryan has never shied away from putting her own life into her music. Her catalog so far reads like a diary set to a pop-rock beat, full of empowerment anthems and road-trip singalongs pulled straight from her own experience. Her new single “Discreet,” out August 14 and featuring Brooklyn rapper Fivio Foreign, breaks that pattern entirely.
“It’s not based on mine or my friends’ lives, it’s just a fiction story,” Ryan explains. “I find it fun to write tracks like this because it’s almost like being back in the theater. I get to play a character, and it adds another element of fun to my job.”
That sense of performance shapes the whole track. “Discreet” isn’t meant for quiet listening. It’s built for movement, the kind of song suited to a night at the bar or a hard gym session rather than a slow sing-along.
The collaboration with Fivio Foreign has history behind it. Ryan originally wanted the feature for her 2023 debut album, but technical issues stalled the plan before it could come together. Instead of dropping the idea, she kept it in her back pocket until the timing worked. “I’m so happy we did it this way,” she says, “because I’m really excited for everyone to hear this one.”
The single was produced by Ray Lennon, whose credits include Fetty Wap, PNB Rock and Queen Honey, with co-writing from Curtis Richardson, known for his work with Rihanna, Joss Stone, Jennifer Lopez and David Guetta. Recording took place at Penthouse Studios in Midtown Manhattan, with Max Lowe engineering.
“Discreet” arrives during a strong stretch for Ryan. She’s posting her highest monthly Spotify listener count to date, her strongest radio play yet, and an expanding tour schedule that recently included a stop at Midtown Music in Herald Square. Her influences run through Lady Gaga, 1980s rock, P!nk and Florence Welch, and she brings a full live band to every show. She also recently spent four days in Atlanta recording with producer Ghost Kid, whose past work includes Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Usher, Robin Thicke and DaBaby, walking away with four new singles.
“Discreet” is available now on all streaming platforms.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7tGVL4ZXqJEPIYevdEtjaU?si=cRJoS7X0Rq21XBNpYkcHJw
