Doctor Noize Releases “Some People See, But I Don’t” For His Wife, Janette

Image of Doctor Noize (Cory Cullinan) sitting at his computer, facing the camera. He’s a white man, wearing a green shirt. 

As we continue to celebrate Disability Awareness Month, we’re excited to highlight the acclaimed family music creator Doctor Noize who is thrilled to announce the release of his latest single “Some People See, But I Don’t”. This release comes just a month before the release of his album Positive Energy! (The Music of Doctor Noize). 

“Some People See, But I Don’t” is inspired by his wife Janette’s experience fueled by resilience, determination, and joy. 

“This funk-pop anthem immerses listeners in Janette’s experience as a blind individual who defies limitations through unwavering self-belief, intellect, and a powerful sense of purpose. Rather than focusing on obstacles, the song celebrates her unstoppable spirit and the broader idea that strength and beauty come from embracing one’s unique perspective.” 

In a chat with Doctor Noize, we learned even more about the new track, upcoming album, and passion behind creating inclusive music.

Diversability: What does the release of “Some People See, But I Don’t” mean to you?

Doctor Noize: Some People See, But I Don’t is one of the most meaningful songs I’ve ever written and recorded, for several reasons. First, it was pure joy, because I got to write and record it with my favorite person in the world, my wife (Janette), and then I got to do a video of it directed by our oldest daughter (Sidney), who has now directed many videos of me and Grammy winners. Our youngest daughter (Riley), who is also a recording artist, appears in the video too and had fun making it with us. So it sounds cheesy, but it was just a big fun family thing to do. I like cheesy.

Second, it made me happy to show the world just how amazing the woman I’ve been married to for decades is. I can talk about it all I want, but for the world to actually hear, see and read who Janette is and what she does for our family and this world… is just something I’ve been trying to figure out how I can do for a long time. And I feel this song, with its simple, joyous “I got this” mentality that Janette has and spreads to our whole family, might make the world love her almost as much as I do.

Diversability: What artists helped inspire your style? Who are you listening to these days?

Doctor Noize: I like a very diverse range of music. From The Beatles to orchestral composer Gustav Mahler to Ella Fitzgerald. I love more recent artists like Jon Batiste, too. 

Janette said she wanted this song to sound like a funky 80’s song like Scritti Politti. This song was also influenced by some soul and R&B artists like Anita Baker. I had her album Compositions when I was young, and I loved the smooth groove at the end of its last song Fairy Tales. I loved the relaxed, smooth end jam section. I always wanted to do a song like that.  Sort of did it with the end of Some People See, But I Don’t. 

Diversability: What was your most memorable moment during the production of this project?

Doctor Noize: That’s eas, when Janette first informed me that we were making Some People See, But I Don’t. She had the title chosen and locked in. I went down to the studio and emerged a few days later with a profoundly serious minor-key stadium rock anthem for her to sing her epic words of triumph over. My wife, who has never minced words with me, took one listen and basically said: “What is this? I’m not looking for a lecture. I want my lyrics draped in a joyfully sugary Scritti Politti dance party.” So, I went back down to the studio, and a few days later presented her with the funky fun foundation of the song you hear today which she liked much better. 

I play most of the instruments, but it also features some musical legends like Grammy-nominated Quartet San Francisco violinist Jeremy Cohen and Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra founder Art Bouton on tenor sax. I play the alto sax and we also had an awesome trombonist and trumpeter filling out our horn section. My Stanford Recording Arts Workshop student, Isaac Moore (son of my childhood bud Kelly), on bass. 

Janette was right to take it in this direction. It’s slammin’ and expresses what a joy it is to live life with her and see the world from her perspective.

Diversability: What is it like to work together as a married couple? 

Doctor Noize: Well, there’s less sex. (A laugh.) That’s not true, but it was just such an easy joke, I had to take the layup. You’re welcome.  

Diversability: What do you hope will be the impact your music has on the disabled community and disability culture? 

Doctor Noize: I just wanna be an ally, tell the world how much I love my wife, have fun, and understand we all have our things. I don’t think my music has a huge impact on the disabled community or disability culture.  But it does have the potential to have an impact on how people outside of the disabled community and disability culture see the world and a wide range of the people in it, and that excites me.

Diversability: What would you say to your younger self/selves or young disabled people about working to accomplish their dreams?

Doctor Noize: I would say nothing different than I say to every one of my college students and my daughters: Have dreams and pursue them. My message is the same to everyone. I’m boring that way.

Diversability:  What’s next for you?

Doctor Noize: My Doctor Noize retrospective album Positive Energy! (The Music of Doctor Noize) comes out in August, and this song is on it!  Our daughter Riley’s next single and video Pockets, which I co-produced, comes out on July 31st. I teach my intensive creative two-week Recording Arts course at Stanford University July 27th to August 7th. 

A special thank to Doctor Noize and his team for this fun interview. To listen and watch “Some People See, But I Don’t” check out Doctor Noize’s Youtube channel. You can also find him on Facebook or on his website, doctornoize.com.