Audioweb
| Company type | Indie rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 in Manchester, England |
| Headquarters | Manchester , England |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Audioweb is an indie rock group from England, established in 1991 in Manchester. Originally called The Sugar Merchants, their sound incorporates elements of indie rock, reggae rock, electronica, and Britpop.
Career
The band secured two entries into the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart with their tracks "Policeman Skank...(The Story Of My Life)" and a rendition of The Clash's "Bankrobber". They received endorsements from prominent artists such as U2 and Ian Brown, notably supporting U2 during a concert at Wembley Stadium in August 1997. Additionally, Audioweb opened for acts like Cast and Madness at significant venues. Their music was released through the Mother Records label.
Following a prolonged break after 2000, individual members engaged in separate ventures: bassist Sean McCann collaborated with Ian Brown and Badly Drawn Boy and issued solo material under the name Fellow Traveller; drummer Rob Maxfield performed with Ian Brown and Shed Seven; guitarist Robin File partnered with Finley Quaye; vocalist Martin Merchant fronted Manchester-based band SupaJamma from 2007 to 2013, delivering a mini-album and several singles via Stereokill Recordings, while also providing vocals for the BBC's Rastamouse theme.
Audioweb reunited in 2016, marking their return with a show at Manchester City F.C.'s Etihad Stadium alongside The Stone Roses. The reunion encountered difficulties in 2017 when lead singer Merchant faced firearm-related charges. Despite this setback, the band released the single "King" in 2021 followed by the album I/O Volume 1 in March 2023.
Their most recent single, "The Only One," was launched on 6 October 2023 to positive critical reception. During spring 2025, Audioweb completed a sold-out tour across the UK and appeared at the Shiiine On and Bearded Theory festivals. In October 2025, they signed with Runway Artists booking agency and returned to the studio to finalize an upcoming album scheduled for release in 2026.
Personnel
- Martin "Sugar" Merchant (vocals)
- Sean McCann (bass)
- Robin File (guitar)
- Robert "Maxi" Maxfield (drums)
Albums
- Audioweb (1996) – reached UK No. 70
- Fireworks City (1998)
Singles
- "Sleeper" (1995) – UK No. 74
- "Yeah?" (1996) – UK No. 73
- "Into my World" (1996) – UK No. 42, US No. 10
- "Sleeper" (remix) (1996) – UK No. 50
- "Bankrobber" (1997) – UK No. 19
- "Faker" (1997) – UK No. 70
- "Policeman Skank... (The Story of My Life)" (1998) – UK No. 21
- "Personal Feeling" (1998) – UK No. 65
- "Get Out of Here" (1998)
- "Test the Theory" (1999) – UK No. 56
- "King" (2021)
- "The Only One" (2023)