diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
index 35603556023e..70de1448c571 100644
--- a/Makefile
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 VERSION = 4
-PATCHLEVEL = 7
+PATCHLEVEL = 8
 SUBLEVEL = 0
-EXTRAVERSION =
+EXTRAVERSION = -rc1
 NAME = Psychotic Stoned Sheep
 
 # *DOCUMENTATION*