Larry Karpenko's "The River" sends electric waves through your skin.

Larry's latest track, "The River" talks about the deep connection of love for god. It talks about the deep desire of finding peace and serenity.

The song is inspired by Larry's fond memory of college, the Shenandoah River, which flows through the edge of campus. The river spoke to him in godly ways, spitting a clear imagery of peace, safe space and security. It reminded Larry of the divine creator and what nature has to offer in his creation. It is a spin-off of the traditional song that is typically performed in Church choirs, Larry has added his own magic to the ballad that makes the song even better.

We got a chance to interview Larry for this song, and we found a lot of unspoken tales! Let's get started: What drives you to create music every day? We feel every artist has that one thing that inspires them.

At its core, my creative spark is fueled by a deep longing to be loved and understood. Much like a well-crafted film—where unexpected twists and turns lead to an illuminating "aha" moment, evoking laughter, tears, or profound emotion—my music follows a similar journey.

As a composer, I strive to present a unique perspective, weaving together the who, what, when, where, and why to draw in listeners, broaden their understanding, and inspire hope.

As a songwriter, my mission is to create work that sparks conversation, fosters connection, and deepens understanding. If a song challenges perceptions or expands thinking, then I have fulfilled my purpose. On a personal level, nothing compares to the joy of knowing that my music has helped someone navigate a difficult moment. That, to me, is the true power of art.

2. What do you feel while creating your tracks? How does your creative process look like?

My emotions in the studio range from contemplative and introspective to stirring, exhilarating, and even downright electrifying. One of the most essential additions to my space isn’t a piece of high-tech equipment—it’s a simple tissue box. I keep it close, because when a beautiful lyric or musical phrase takes shape, I often find myself moved to tears. I believe that if I feel something deeply, others will too—after all, music connects us on a profoundly human level.

On my upcoming release, Celebrate the King, I had the joy of adding playful vocalizations during a marimba solo—a moment reminiscent of voice work in a Disney animated film. Hearing the final takes, I was overwhelmed with emotion, not because of sorrow, but because I had never had so much fun in the creative process. It was a life-giving, uninhibited joy—one that listeners will feel too, as my personality shines through in every note.

3. What was the main influence you had when you started this journey?

My father was a music educator and performer, and from the very beginning, music felt like home. As a toddler, I was introduced to Handel's Messiah—the cadence of the Hallelujah chorus electrified me. I stood there, arms flailing in an impassioned attempt to conduct, mimicking my dad, the conductor, as the choir burst into laughter at the sight. It was more than excitement—it was the beginning of a lifelong love for music.

Growing up, my dad’s stereo receiver and record player were my gateway to sonic wonder. I remember slipping on the headphones and being in awe—stereo recordings revealed a depth, clarity, and richness that captivated me. Emotion through music wasn’t just heard, it was felt—a lesson that still fuels my passion for bringing songs to life in the studio.

He also had a reel-to-reel recorder, and I wasted no time experimenting. I plugged it in and recorded guitars and vocals, pushing the limits of analog sound—creating echoes with the widely spaced tape heads, playing with backward playback, and discovering the magic of layered textures. Music as an expression is my first love. I've stepped away from it at times, only to return with fresh perspective and renewed appreciation. Each chapter of my life has shaped my relationship with sound, and I’ve learned that my purest approach isn’t about chasing success by conventional standards—it’s about storytelling, connection, and creating something that truly resonates with the heart.

4. Who are the artists that make you feel like the music industry is worth being a part of?

Jon Batiste comes to mind. I had the opportunity to sit in on his interview at the winter National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show, where he opened up about his struggles breaking into the music industry—the uncertainty of his next paycheck and the challenge of making ends meet. Yet, through it all, he remained grounded in his faith, leaned on his friends, and kept a positive outlook. For him, curiosity has been the key to resilience. Even now, he continues to learn, collaborate, and connect, always striving for growth and the betterment of others.

Another artist I deeply respect is Rapsody. I met her at the Los Angeles College of Music during their music summit, where she shared powerful insights on self-belief and authenticity. She emphasized the importance of trusting your support system, staying real, and embracing your true self—values that resonate deeply in both life and music.

5. Why this genre? What draws you to indie music, and what motivates you to create a mesmerizing track such as "The River"?

I love indie music for its ability to blend traditional and contemporary instruments, creating unique hybrid sounds. One example of this fusion is my decision to incorporate a drum set into an orchestral arrangement—an uncommon pairing, but one that adds a modern pulse to the classical foundation. I enjoy finding ways to bridge musical worlds, blending past and present in unexpected ways.

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on is orchestrating The River for publication. In composing parts for handbells, I had a personal motivation—my children are ringers, and I wanted to include them in live performances. The handbells enter the arrangement at an ideal moment, ringing out like church steeple bells on a joyous occasion, adding warmth and celebration to the composition.

6. What is the thought process behind the creation, ”The River”? Can you give a brief on the themes of the track?

Written during my first year of college, The River was inspired by my time at a boarding high school where the Shenandoah River winds along the edge of campus. The river became a powerful symbol—an image of safety, security, and peace, offering healing and renewal. It reflected my deep desire to connect with a divine Creator, to find strength and stability in the ebb and flow of life.

Nestled in Virginia’s lush Massanutten Mountains, the Shenandoah River provides the scenic backdrop for The River. Its gentle curves through flowered fields, farmland, and wild valley grasses make it a natural place for rest, serenity, and reflection. The song is intimate and honest, with quiet passages of harp and piano creating a tranquil space where listeners can imagine a softly flowing stream. At its core, The River speaks to one of the most vulnerable human desires—a safe space for security and peace.

As the song unfolds, a spiritual dimension emerges in the chorus: “the river that runs through my heart.” The second verse expands on this imagery, likening the steady, unwavering flow of the river to God’s enduring love. The third verse encourages listeners to seek their own spaces of peace and reflection. Near the climax, a choir joins in, lifting the song to an emotional peak—one might even imagine angels singing in heaven.

Then, the unfamiliar shifts into the deeply familiar—the classic hymn Shall We Gather at the River weaves seamlessly into the arrangement, its chorus ringing with the triumphant power of brass and orchestral percussion. Handbells join in, their bright tones echoing like celebratory church bells, underscoring the joy of a heaven-like reunion. Finally, the harp gently carries the listener back to the peaceful imagery of the river, concluding with the poignant lyric: “the river that flows by the throne of God.”

It is with great joy that The River is now available to share.

7. Can you tell an unknown fact about your latest release? Any nit-picky detail about the song that the listener should look out for?

If you explore my streaming catalog, you’ll find The River on my 1998 album, Welcome To My World—the earliest version, where I sang and played it on guitar. Over time, the song evolved, and in its latest rendition, I made a significant change: I replaced the original bridge lyrics with the beloved hymn Shall We Gather at the River. This new version amplifies the song’s emotional depth and fully realizes my original vision.

Strong songs stand the test of time, resonating across generations. With modern production, they can be reimagined and introduced to new audiences, ensuring their message continues to inspire.

8. What are some of your previous releases that you feel represent your music style?

That’s a great question. My music spans multiple genres, with each song reflecting different facets of my personality and moods. I’m particularly drawn to the heart and passion in Little Things New, where raw emotion shines through.

The romantic bridge interlude in Heart Calls Love, set against Gabriel Fauré’s Romance Without Words, Op.17, No.3, creates a mesmerizing dance—an interplay of elegance and longing that feels both timeless and evocative.

Meanwhile, Fare Thee Well continues to captivate me. Its intricate poly-rhythms and deep expression of love make it endlessly compelling. As my music evolves, newer compositions become more complex, yet simultaneously more cohesive, maintaining strong melodies and lyrical hooks that linger in the mind.