INTERVIEW: Behind the Music with The E-Block
“Being a part of this group, this family, it’s definitely something I don’t take for granted. It’s a beautiful experience.”
From the moment The E-Block stepped on stage at Lark Hall last month, you could feel it—this was more than a performance; it was a memory in the making. Headlining for the first time, the R&B/soul band transformed the space into a haven of rhythm, connection, and authenticity.
Their debut as headliners at Lark Hall showcased who they are at their core—authentic, connected, committed, and deeply passionate about their music. And it’s clear this is just the beginning. I caught up with the Rotterdam-based quartete after the show for a quick chat. In this candid conversation, they opened up—about their backgrounds, their ambitions, and the beautiful brotherhood that transcends through their music. Here’s what they had to say.
Sarah Michelle Sherman: Before you guys came out, everyone in the crowd was smiling, super excited…almost antsy. What’s it like for you guys in those moments before going out?
Luke Pascarella: It’s always different. Every time. And I actually try to stay away from the crowd before the show because I don’t want it to influence how we perform. We just try to focus on the music. But it was great that Alec Lewis opened for us [at Lark Hall]. I think that’s what contributed to the energy in the room. They came out and killed it… set the tone for us. We like to pick openers that are our friends, people we care about… give them a platform to put themselves out there. We just want people who are really fucking good.
SMS: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
LP: We always pray. That’s the background we all come from.
SMS: Luke, can you tell me about those bracelets you were making earlier?
LP: Merch is actually kind of an afterthought for us—we’re just focused on making the set list and all that. But today, I woke up, and I was like, ‘We gotta have something.’ So, I went to Joann Fabric, picked up a little kit, then started making the bracelets while getting ready. We want you to take the music home with you—whatever sticks in your head—or go home and go on our Spotify and listen to us, but it’s cool to give a little something. And since we’re mostly making it the day of the show…that’s the only chance you have to get that little piece of merch.
SMS: That’s such a personal touch…love it. And seeing you guys perform…the way you look at each other, it’s really something special. It’s like you’re each having your own moment, but it’s not selfish… it doesn’t look selfish for any of you. You’re all united. It’s beautiful. Seriously.
Daniel Folds: Being a part of this group, this family, it’s definitely something I don’t take for granted. It’s a beautiful experience. My brothers hold me down in every way possible.
LP: We’ve seen a lot with each other… We're all pretty invested in each other’s personal lives.
DF: For real. It’s crazy.
SMS: Can we talk quickly about your backgrounds?
DF: I came from a very Baptist background, growing up in church, hearing a lot of music. I played drums my whole life and started playing trombone in fifth grade, but once I started playing bass, everything sort of came together—the rhythm, the notes, everything. It was really cool finding my instrument. I never thought bass would be my instrument, but it came naturally to me.
LP: I’ve been playing with Davin [keyboardist] since we were kids. We grew up a few doors down from each other, so we’ve always been playing music together.
DF: My brother taught me everything—everything musically. He pushed me to be better on drums, to get better with my ear, recognize different things… he has shaped my whole sound and how I play.
SMS: So, what’s the dream?
LP: The dream? I think it’s sustenance. However long we can play music without having to do anything else and make enough money to live—that’s the dream.
Keep up with The E-Block via their social media profiles: @eblockmusic