You once told me Mark Knopfler was a lyrical genius.

Mark is. I wouldn't say he's an influence, though.

Who writes your music and lyrics? Is it a joint effort or is it one or the other of you?

I would go to practice with a lot of stuff half-written; maybe a verse and a chorus, then we develop it from there. It means we can all have an input on what it should sound like. Sometimes it doesn't work, like, if I've written a really shit melody or something, then no amount of work will sort it. We had this song about two months ago that we got all worked out and worked on it for like a month trying to get it, but something was just not right in it, and it got depressing to even play, so we've scrapped it.

On the other hand, since Thursday, we've gotten three new tracks almost completely polished. Sometimes the songs just write themselves.

What about lyrics? Where do you get your inspiration for those?

I guess it varies. I write a lot of songs about stuff that happens to me, and my opinions and shit. But also I write songs about stories, like if I see a great scene in a film, or read a cool book or something. Sometimes you just really feel a story in something, and I try to capture a bit of that feeling.

So you write all the lyrics? Do Fergie and Seany have any input?

I pretty much work on my own for lyrics. Seany will write lyrics for himself for parts of the songs, but I like to be a bit of loner with my lyrics. It's just the way I write. I find it a bit weird to sing anyone else’s lyrics; it just doesn't feel the same.

And singing is an emotional release for you?

Yeah, you could say that. I guess it is emotional, in a way. I mean, I don't start crying like Michael Jackson singing “Ben” or anything, but maybe it would be a good gimmick.

Who are your musical heroes?

Heroes? Back in the day, it would have Kurt Cobain (shock #1). Mid-to-late 90s, I think he was everyone’s hero. The fact that it was exactly what he didn't want made people worship him more. That's irony at its best. To be honest, I don't think I've had the same sort feeling about any other musician since.

Anything you want to talk about in your interview that I haven't covered?

Nobody ever talks to me about Dave Chappelle.

Who? Okay, what does Dave Chappelle mean to you, Robby?

I don't think I can define it in words. I feel like a disciple or something for him. He could be the new Jesus. I'm going to have to write a Dave Chappelle song.

You can hear Kelwan on MySpace. Or visit the Kelwan website.