Audioweb are something that little bit special. Tipped by the likes of Steve Lamacq and the Chemical Brothers, with their mix of indie, reggae and dance Audioweb have created a sound that defies any pigeonhole genre. With 'Sleeper' and 'Yeah' they have two huge twelve inches under their collective belts (!) and are embarking on a headline tour. Now is a very important time for them - not because they are on the verge of being the next big thing but because, and more importantly, the time of the interviews coincides with their takeaways arriving. Lead singer Martin Merchant is a very well built geezer and far be it from either me or my associate to get in the way of him and his ham and pineapple pizza. We patiently wait ...

In addition to Martin Merchant Audioweb consist of fellow Mancunians Robin Fyle - guitar, Sean McCann - bass and Maxi on drums. From the offset it is apparent that Merchant wears the trousers in this relationship. Whilst the other three are laid back, witty and reasonably restrained, Mr. Merchant is not. The hunger for success is in his eyes and although he overbrims with confidence the need for constant attention perhaps suggests a slight insecurity. He has the charisma, in addition to the arrogance, that naturally makes him the leading figure in the group.

When asked about how they describe their sound, Audioweb are reticent to comment. It is clear they have the foresight not to be tied down to any specific sound or passing fad. This is commendable indeed - too many potential next big things in the rush for fame have burnt their bridges and narrowed their vision. However when questioned about their influences Merchant's immediate reaction is that "We have no influence from anyone at all" but he later concedes "We just listen to so much music. Anything from 60s reggae to indie, Manfred Mann to Supergrass". All profess a love of Two-Tone and when asked about their cover of the Clashes 'Bankrobber', Sean the bassist quips to Merchant "But you told us you wrote that".

Although Audioweb may be unwilling to acknowledge their influences they are more than willing to pay respect to their Manchester roots. Merchant uses the crude analogy that Manchester "is like the digestive base of a cheese cake and everything else is thrown in". Styles fuse together and react against one another so often that something new is always being created. They are certainly in agreement that bands like the Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and New Order could not have happened anywhere else and pay tribute to the Madchester club scene. Asked whether they still go clubbing, Sean responds "Nah, we don't get in free anymore".

Audioweb's depth of vision is perhaps reflected in their choice of remixers. Although Merchant declares remixes are rubbish, "Nothing's better than what we're doing" and the rest of the band agree that they would prefer to do their own mixing. Audioweb have broken from the traditional indie band mould and chosen trip hop and drum and bass mixes for their first two singles. Most bands would be over the moon to have the Lord Sabre Andy Weatherall remix their debut, not audioweb. Weatherall is a swear word in the Audioweb camp and they were not impressed in the slightest with his mix. While Merchant is spurting about 'jungle by numbers' Fyle lays his indie roots bare talking about the fabled time of 'Primal Scream' and 'My Bloody Valentine. Of all the remixes, Audioweb are most enthusiastic about the Jon Carter (under the guise of Monkey Mafia) remix. "We met him, liked him, liked the mix."

Audioweb place a great deal of importance in touring and playing live. It was due to the good reaction they received supporting bands such as Dreadzone and the Verve that they got to headline this current tour. Their professionalism is reflected in their performance, especially in comparison to their support, the shabby impostors Mansun. Audioweb, as headline band, "if a band believes in their music it will happen. Its easier when you headline because the crowd have come to see you. When you're supporting you have to penetrate an audience unfamiliar with your material and still make an impact".

After Audioweb's recent performance on Channel 4's diabolical 'Girlie Show' the question has to be asked ... WHY? Unruffled by our direct and impertinent questioning Merchant, without raising an eyelid, rationally explains; "Two reasons, it was TV and there were wall to wall girls. Even if it was just for thirty seconds there's two million people watching. All coverage is good coverage." This man is too level headed by far and it is this attitude in combination with their distinct sound that ensures Audioweb are bound to succeed. The new 'radio-friendly' single, 'Into My World' is released later this month and is backed by a Howie B remix. The album, although completed, will be released "anytime between this May and next May".

One final question. Where do you see yourself in twelve months time? "In Jamaica" Merchant replies cockily. "Oh, so you're going to do a Happy Mondays, take lots of drugs and release a shit album" Shaft cuts bitingly. Audioweb glare. We leave...

Audioweb were talking to Spank & Shaft, in May 1996.