Top Ipswich rock ‘n’ roll band JS and the Lockerbillies has launched an online Kickstarter campaign to help fund the recording of their debut album.

Ipswich Star: JS and the Lockerbillies performing live. Picture: GUIDO MENCARIJS and the Lockerbillies performing live. Picture: GUIDO MENCARI (Image: Guido Mencari)

The band, comprising vocalist and guitarist Josh Locke, bassist Murray Collins, drummer James Hicks and multi-instrumentalist Rich Webb, are preparing to record their debut album next month, and have earmarked a cost of £5,500 to record it.

But without the backing of a record label, the band has opted to go it alone and raise money on the Kickstarter platform.

It allows fans to pledge a sum of money ahead of the release, essentially funding the studio time and musician fees, and get a copy of the record upon its release.

Band leader Josh Locke, 28, 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.”

Ipswich Star: Josh Locke on stage at a JS and the Lockerbillies gig. Picture: AARON SLYJosh Locke on stage at a JS and the Lockerbillies gig. Picture: AARON SLY (Image: Aaron Sly)

The band has previously released an EP in 2015, which was recorded largely by Josh, and with dozens of songs having been written in different styles since then, the fundraising will also pay for a Josh Locke solo album.

Those pledging will receive a copy of the existing EP, a digital version of the new record or a physical album, depending on how much they pledge.

The page is looking to raise around £5,000 in the next 45 days.

Ipswich Star: Josh Locke is also planning a solo album. Picture: GREGG BROWNJosh Locke is also planning a solo album. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Recording gets underway at various studios in January, and has been earmarked for a late February release. A launch gig is also being planned.

The recording comes off the back of a stellar 2017 in which the band has played more than 120 gigs with their unique brand of rockabilly and blues, including a headlining slot at Ipswich Music Day, a Glastonbury appearance and various festival appearances, as well as performances at care homes across the county.

A packed 2018 is already on the cards.

Ipswich Star: Murray Collins of JS and the Lockerbillies performing on the BBC Radio Suffolk Stage at Ipswich Music Day 2016. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNMurray Collins of JS and the Lockerbillies performing on the BBC Radio Suffolk Stage at Ipswich Music Day 2016. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Josh said: “This has all been written in my bedroom and living room, and ideas come out on the road at gigs, so now to be able to have people breathe life into it is great.”

To support the band or to find out more, visit the fundraising page here.

Ipswich Star: Josh Locke performing at Ipswich Music Day 2016. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNJosh Locke performing at Ipswich Music Day 2016. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)