Music possesses a remarkable ability to articulate emotions that often defy ordinary language. For Larry Karpenko, music serves as more than just creative expression—it’s a vehicle for inspiration, emotional connection, and authentic storytelling that resonates with his audience on a profound level.
Making Southern California his home base, Larry has been crafting songs that weave together themes of faith, love, and human experience since the late 1990s. While his earlier work explored spiritual and religious dimensions, his newest single “Little Things New” examines the universal experiences of love, heartbreak, and the transformative effect of finding someone who brings renewed meaning to everyday life.
“Little Things New” captures with striking clarity the emotional journey of healing and rediscovery. The song narrates the story of two individuals who, having weathered previous heartbreaks, discover love in a way that infuses even life’s smallest moments with fresh significance. Through its carefully crafted lyrics and emotionally resonant melody, the track delivers a genuine message about hope and renewal, serving as a reminder that love holds the potential to heal our deepest emotional wounds.
In our conversation with Larry, we explore the creative spark behind “Little Things New,” his songwriting approach, and the personal significance this particular track holds for him. We also delve into his musical influences, his evolving creative process, and what his listeners can anticipate in upcoming releases. Join us for this intimate look into the artistry and passion driving Larry Karpenko’s musical journey.
Listen to Little Things New below
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Congratulations on your new single, Little Things New! Can you tell us the story behind the song?“Little Things New” is a love story with a twist. A heart-crushed girl dreams of finding love. In a separate parallel reality we have a boy passionate to love a special girl. In a divine encounter they lock eyes and fall in love. Musically speaking, a bridge section carries us to a climax where we triumph in love’s unifying strength. Suddenly a final pre-chorus transports us to another time and place where only the listener can describe, to an ending that warms even the most skeptic critic’s heart.
Specifically, my sister-in-law was looking for just the right man in her life. After some searching, she eventually found him. Just before their wedding, I imagined their happiness together, and as part of her support team of friends and family, I could imagine the positive new energy from the couple’s union; lyrics fell into place.
What was the inspiration for Little Things New? Did it come from a personal experience or something more abstract?As a songwriter I allowed my feelings, past and present to guide the narrative. Recalling excitement of falling in love, building anticipation for the listener, and contrasting those feelings with uncertainly and the dullness that can accompany life when your relationships aren’t secure. The phrase “little things new” was my creative way of saying “with you life is better” and answering the “why” at the same time.
The title itself is intriguing—what does Little Things New represent to you?Little Things New is hope. Hope in humanity, hope in love, in relationships, in a better tomorrow. It’s an anthem to the hope we have in each other; that we as lovers and in community make life bearable and are better together.
How was the songwriting process for this track? Did it come together quickly, or was it something that evolved over time?Pat Pattison, author of “Writing Better Lyrics” has influenced my songwriting style. One of my favorite elements is spotlighting words in any given phrase. For example, using a consonant adjective “shattered” in verse 1, line 1, to immediately draw in the listener. Another favorite element is when I allow love to be the hero, described in the bridge section that no matter what hardships the subjects face, love will carry them through; it allows the message to have universal appeal.
How does Little Things New compare to your previous work? Would you say it marks a new direction for you?Little Things New demonstrates the beauty of emoting straight from the heart, passionate, bearing of soul on record, in a way that others can relate and love. As I reflect back on my earliest works many were on the topic of love, learning about love, in an attempt to understand love. Many of these song are unpublished sketches and incomplete works I keep in my journal and archival recordings. In some ways, Little Things New is a return to my original themes, now completed forms.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and did any of them shape the sound of this single?My early influences include Peter Gabriel. I’m drawn in to his passionate lyric writing, accompanied with soulful vocal performances and his creative drive for collaborating with others to find new grooves and expressions. He incorporates many styles into his productions, and similarly has a wide appeal to listeners. Another influence is Steven Curtis Chapman. Steven has demonstrated how to incorporate faith and family based messages of hope into his work. Allowing songs to be hero’s of hope allows listeners to improve their conditions, in alignment with original intents of song and music.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take away from this song?I would like listeners to take away several messages. 1)be okay waiting for their time to love, or be loved, by their special person 2)be hopeful that there are people we will encounter that make us better 3)look outside ourselves and observe good things around us and cherish those things.
Is there a particular lyric in Little Things New that holds special meaning for you?I loved repeating “they’ll be one” three times. Why? Because the unity of beautiful people are meant to be cherished, so in this instance I spotlighted the idea and allowed repetition to evoke an emotional response at just the right moment.
Do you remember the exact moment when the idea for the song first came to you?I was reflecting on my relationship with a dear friend and how they inspired me to look at life open minded, not get stuck in a rut, and be receptive to little “aha” moments; suddenly what was mundane was turned upside down and was fresh and new; my perspective changed; my outlook improved; I was experiencing love.
Will Little Things New be part of a larger project, like an EP or album?In 2025 I am doing things different, including my release plan. I could release an album, many of my tracks in 2025 fit together nicely into a love concept project, but instead I’m showcasing a variety of styles and genres that integrate me as an artist. I’m on track to release one single per month for 2025 to lean in to sharing more about each track and the process behind the writing and producing.
If you had to describe Little Things New in three words, what would they be?Connection, curiosity, community. Connection because we as humans want connection; we want to be understood and loved. Curiosity because new sparks of life await us at different unexpected times and places; if we can be receptive to these sparks, we can inspire and encourage others. Community because in community we gain our greatest strength and sense of self, our integrated and complete selves serve humanity with art, innovation, understanding and love.
