Larry Karpenko turned a regular park visit with his kids into “Ladybug Field” after they stumbled upon hundreds of ladybugs swarming the grass.
Larry kept the recording simple – he plugged his Fender Telecaster straight into an API preamp without any pedals or amps. The direct approach gives the track a clean, personal feel that fits the intimate story he’s telling.
The song has that gentle, accessible vibe you’d hear at a high school dance, but there’s real emotion underneath about being a parent and seeing the world through your kids’ excitement. Larry uses the ladybug swarm as both memory and symbol for how small moments can completely change your day.
Since he also plays gospel music at local churches, he brings some of that reverence to this family-focused track. The guitar solo shows off melodic phrasing that Clapton fans would appreciate, though it stays true to Karpenko’s style.
“Ladybug Field” works because it captures something specific, that afternoon when his tired family walk turned into pure wonder, but it makes it feel relatable for anyone who’s had kids show them how to pay attention again. To see more of Larry’s creative process, performance videos, and projects where he turns everyday moments into songs, you’ll want to follow him on Instagram @thegivingoptimist.
