"[1] In July 2013, Downey released his debut 4-track EP Familiar Ground under the moniker Venice Music on Gaga Digi.
[4] In a review of the EP, Stephanie Tell from The Music AU said "Ryan Downey's captivatingly dark, baritone voice immediately strikes you".
"[10] The album was produced by Steve Hassett and recorded across New York and Melbourne, with subject material ranging from humour and pathos, self-analysis and love.
Downey said "I'd written these big drama-filled songs that I wanted to be represented vividly and playfully, but balanced with realness in the recordings, which Burke understood immediately."
[15] Ryan has toured nationally, including performances at BIGSOUND,[16] Melbourne Recital Centre,[17] Museum of Old and New Art,[18] St Kilda Festival[19] and headline shows[20] and has opened for artists including Marlon Williams,[21] Middle Kids,[22] Julia Jacklin,[23] Sarah Blasko[24] and Emma Louise.