An Ipswich band has thanked the legions of fans who donated thousands of pounds to fund its newly released album.
JS and the Lockerbillies raised £5,500 to record and release the self-titled album after announcing a Kickstarter campaign last year to make their “dream come true”.
Some 174 fans heeded the call - and on Friday were rewarded with an album launch party at The Rep pub in Tower Street,Ipswich.
Singer and guitarist Josh Locke said “words can’t describe how wonderfully” the show went.
“So much blood, sweat and tears went into independently making the album and promoting this event,” he added.
“Our audience was such a warm and supportive bunch on Friday – I couldn’t have asked for a better fan base.
“They’re the reason we had to bring something new to our shows and to have them there with our friends and family at the launch was too special for words.”
The eight-track album, infused with the band’s distinctive rockabilly sound, is available as a digital download on iTunes and Spotify as well as in CD format.
People who donated £15 or more through the campaign were promised copies of the album on release day, while those pledging £35 were offered a guitar lesson with Josh.
Speaking to this newspaper about the launch of the campaign last year, Josh said: “The set had gotten to be quite samey and I wanted to be able to make sure the audience was getting a different show.
“All these ideas have been on my voice recorder demos over the years, so it was time to record it.
“I am raising funds so I can pay the band a fair wage and the venue and equipment hire.”
The band, which also features bassist Murray Collins, drummer James Hicks and multi-instrumentalist Rich Webb, has been supporting Age UK Suffolk in its campaign to combat loneliness and isolation, It held a charity auction at Friday’s album launch, which followed a previous concert for the charity. Age UK thanked the band for its support.
During nearly four years of making music together, the band has developed a loyal local following, playing more than 120 gigs last year alone, including a headline slot at Ipswich Music Day, a Glastonbury appearance and various festival shows.
JS and the Loberbillies will be playing Folk at the Froize in Chillesford, east Suffolk, on Saturday June 9.
The band has also recently confirmed its attendance at Jimmy’s Festival 2018 – the annual music and food festival held Jimmy’s Farm in Wherstead, near Ipswich, on July 21 and 22.
Visit the band’s website to order the new album and find out about upcoming events.
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