Kimchaeryeong Reflects on Growing Up in “small things”

Kimchaeryeong’s ‘small things’ pairs a bright, playful indie pop sound with a more bittersweet thought about growing up. Built around a raw acoustic guitar riff, upbeat rhythms and warm synth textures, the song has an easy sense of lift. Beneath that cheerful surface, it looks back at the younger, imperfect versions of ourselves that gradually become part of the past.

The guitar gives the track much of its character. Rather than smoothing away every rough edge, Kimchaeryeong kept the natural, unpolished feel of the original recording, including its little imperfections. That choice helps the song feel personal and lived-in, while the synths and rhythm keep it moving with a light, pop-leaning energy.

‘small things’ also reflects the breadth of Kimchaeryeong’s role in making the song. They wrote, composed and arranged it, then performed and recorded all the instruments apart from the bass. The result brings those parts together in a way that feels considered without losing the spontaneity of the guitar at its centre.

The song’s warmth makes its subject all the more affecting. It does not treat growing up as a clean break from the past. Instead, ‘small things’ finds tenderness in looking back at the less polished versions of ourselves, and in recognising how much of them still stays with us.