Genie Records

Lore & Background

Genie Records was formed on 1 January 1999 through GMM Grammy, with Wichian Rerkpaisan appointed as its pioneering managing director. The label initially produced acts covering a variety of genres, including the popular duo Sumet and the Pang. It introduced new artists such as Tanawut Chawathanavorakul (Tai), Palaphol Pholkongseng, Noppasin Sangsuwan (Num Kala), Budokan, Venus, and Dajim. At the time, it competed with More Music, the country's leading rock label, which featured veteran artists like Asanee–Wasan, Loso, Nuvo, Blackhead, Silly Fools, and Zeal.

In 2004, the rock band Big Ass joined Genie Records from Music Bugs, releasing their album "Seven" under the label that same year. Pop-rock band Bodyslam followed, moving from Music Bugs around 2005. Both released successful albums—"Seven" by Big Ass and "Believe" by Bodyslam—that topped music charts. The label also introduced underground bands such as Ebola, Sweet Mullet, and Retrospect to mainstream listeners. Around 2012, the label used "genie rock" as a marketing tagline or sub-brand, but it never officially rebranded; it has consistently been called Genie Records.

Genie Records held a major concert, "Genie Fest 16," on 10 May 2014 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani to celebrate its 15th founding anniversary, though earlier events like Genie Fest 2 had already taken place. Another notable concert, "Genie Fest G19," followed on 10 February 2018 at Rajamangala National Stadium. On 1 July 2019, managing director Wichian Rerkpaisan (also known as "Nick Genie") confirmed in a Facebook post that he was ending his role after his contract with GMM Grammy expired. He later expressed initial disappointment with the abrupt decision, noting he considered the label his home, but respected the decision.

Reader's Guide

Genie Records holds significance as a key force in Thai rock music under the GMM Grammy umbrella. Founded in 1998, it helped shape the modern Thai rock scene by nurturing both established and emerging acts. The label's roster includes enduring bands like Paradox, Big Ass, Bodyslam, Potato, and Labanoon, which have achieved commercial success and chart-topping albums. Its 2012 rebranding to "genie rock" underscored a dedicated focus on the rock genre, while its Genie Fest concerts marked major milestones in Thai live music. The departure of long-time managing director Wichian Rerkpaisan in 2019 ended a 21-year era, but the label's catalog and influence on Thai rock remain notable. By bringing underground bands to mainstream attention and competing with veteran labels like More Music, Genie Records contributed to the diversity and vitality of Thailand's music industry.

Did You Know?

• Genie Records was established on 1 January 1999 as a subsidiary of GMM Grammy.
• Wichian Rerkpaisan served as managing director for more than twenty years, but the label was founded by GMM Grammy, not by an individual.
• The label held a major concert, 'Genie Fest 16,' on 10 May 2014 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, marking its 15th anniversary, though earlier Genie Fest events had already occurred.
• Around 2012, 'genie rock' was used as a marketing tagline or sub-brand, but the label never officially rebranded; it has always been called Genie Records.