diff --git a/RELEASE-NOTES b/RELEASE-NOTES
index 8f532cb..a4089ff 100644
--- a/RELEASE-NOTES
+++ b/RELEASE-NOTES
@@ -1,3 +1,9 @@
+version 0.8.9
+-------------
+
+- RPC groups and sessions calls improved
+- issues fixed: #62, #68  (slow socket closing, IRC)
+
 version 0.8.8
 -------------
 
diff --git a/server/version.py b/server/version.py
index e9d2f68..7f649f1 100644
--- a/server/version.py
+++ b/server/version.py
@@ -1 +1 @@
-VERSION = "ElectrumX 0.8.8a"
+VERSION = "ElectrumX 0.8.9"