A decent apartment is not an easy thing to find when moving to Vancouver, so when the soon to be members of Living with Lions moved in to their first Vancouver house, they never expected it would be so pivotal in the shaping of their next year. Having similar interests in music, beverages and fun, the boys and their house soon became known for their ruckus get–togethers and parties. A popular spot for any east Vancouver youth to let loose and have a good time, a title was soon given to the house so many had become familiar with: Dude Manor. Before long, the house–mates turned the basement into a jam space and studio, and the friends quickly found themselves with a solid line–up of songs and deemed themselves Living with Lions.

Leaving the basement behind for the road, August found the band touring through the Canadian Midwest with Smallman recording artists Daggermouth. On their return, the band jumped in to the studio and recorded 7 songs to be featured on their fittingly titled debut E.P, Dude Manor. After winning over a solid local fan–base, the Lions released Dude Manor and enjoyed two successful tours down the American West Coast.

As both the band and the neighbour's noise complaints became more serious, a move had to be made to a proper jam space. After the most epic of parties, Living with Lions moved out of Dude Manor leaving their first chapter behind.