diff --git a/RELEASE-NOTES b/RELEASE-NOTES
index 4ea4c53..fceca12 100644
--- a/RELEASE-NOTES
+++ b/RELEASE-NOTES
@@ -1,3 +1,10 @@
+version 0.8.7
+-------------
+
+- update systemd config (bauerj)
+- temporary fix for initial sync times
+- continued JSON code refactoring
+
 version 0.8.6
 -------------
 
diff --git a/server/version.py b/server/version.py
index e50ac0a..5cd0726 100644
--- a/server/version.py
+++ b/server/version.py
@@ -1 +1 @@
-VERSION = "ElectrumX 0.8.6"
+VERSION = "ElectrumX 0.8.7"