There’s something about a great love song that makes it feel timeless—an effortless blend of melody, emotion, and storytelling that stays with you long after the final note fades. Larry Karpenko’s latest single, Little Things New, released on January 31, 2025, captures this magic with a heartfelt acoustic-pop sound that resonates deeply with fans of romance, optimism, and pure musical craftsmanship.
Drawing inspiration from artists like Dashboard Confessional and Steven Curtis Chapman, Karpenko blends stripped-down acoustic passion with the kind of lyrical depth that brings stories to life. His smooth, expressive vocals—detailed and precise enough to excite a Bruno Mars fan—carry the listener through an emotional journey filled with warmth, joy, and a sense of new beginnings. Produced at the independent and creativity-driven Kreation Records in Southern California, Little Things New is a testament to Karpenko’s dedication to songwriting and storytelling.
The song’s inspiration is as personal as it is universal. Written for his sister-in-law as she prepared to marry the love of her life, Little Things New embodies the energy, excitement, and transformative power of love. It’s about the fresh perspective that love brings—how it changes the way we see the world, the way we move through life, and the way we find meaning in the smallest moments. Karpenko’s poetic lyrics capture this beautifully, reflecting on how love is not just a grand, sweeping emotion but also a series of everyday miracles.
The recording process behind Little Things New was as meticulous as the songwriting itself. Karpenko used an XY-stereo miking technique combined with an additional LRBaggs-equipped piezo pickup to bring out rich bass frequencies. Vocals were captured with a Blue Blueberry microphone, ensuring clarity and warmth in every word sung. The result is an intimate yet polished sound—one that feels as if Karpenko is right there in the room, singing directly to you.
But Little Things New isn’t just a song—it’s a moment, a feeling, and an experience. Its themes of love, renewal, and optimism make it a perfect fit for weddings, romantic playlists, and even big-screen moments. Karpenko himself notes that fans of The Princess Bride will find something familiar in the song’s fairy-tale-like storytelling, and he envisions its melody finding a home in Disney blockbusters one day. It’s the kind of track that feels destined to be covered, remixed, and reimagined for years to come—yet the original version remains a powerful starting point.
Beyond this release, Karpenko has big plans for 2025, including a premiere of his orchestral composition The River on May 17, arranged for orchestra, brass, choir, and bells. His ability to weave grand, cinematic elements into his work proves that he’s not just a songwriter—he’s a storyteller, a visionary, and a creator of moments that linger.
At its core, Little Things New is a song about how love changes us. It’s about the moments that may seem small on the surface but end up defining our lives. As Karpenko puts it, the song is “transformative,” not just for those who hear it but for himself as an artist. It has given him a renewed sense of optimism, pushing him to continue writing and creating. And that, perhaps, is the ultimate power of music—it inspires, uplifts, and reminds us of the beauty in the little things.
With Little Things New, Larry Karpenko has crafted a love song for the ages—one that captures the essence of love in its purest form. Whether you’re falling in love, celebrating a milestone, or simply looking for a song that makes the world feel a little brighter, this is one track you’ll want to keep on repeat.
