A Truro singer-songwriter is launching what he believes is Cornwall's first crowdfunded musical release later this month.

Acoustic musician Josiah Mortimer, 21, will launch his first professional EP, Luddite Ballads, online and release show in York on the January 31.

The four-track EP has been recorded and released by independent record label Rack Mount Records.

The acoustic release was produced after over £3,000 was crowdfunded by nearly 80 supporters of the project on the website Crowdshed, with Josiah being the first musician to successfully crowdfund through the site. The money has been used to master, print, distribute, and promote the EP.

Mortimer said: “I’m really proud to be able to launch this crowdfunded musical release, especially with it being what I think is a first among musicians from Cornwall. It's taken a lot of time and hard work so to now be able to release a professional EP is very exciting.

"I’m massively grateful to all the people who supported the project and I hope people enjoy the final EP. Cornwall has such a good music scene and I’m so glad to now be a part of that with this recording.”

Tristan Clarke, Rack Mount Records co-founder, said:  “This is the first Rack Mount Records release and it really puts us on the map as an upcoming label. Luddite Ballads is a radical and original acoustic venture, and mixes the anger a lot of young people feel with Josiah’s unique guitar style and passionate vocals. The EP will hopefully be the first of many and we’re sure you’ll be hearing more from Josiah and indeed Rack Mount Records in the future.”

Luddite Ballads includes the political anthem ‘A Movement and a Reason’, as well as the title track ‘The Ballad of a New Luddite’, John Martyn’s epic ‘I Don’t Want to Know’, and an instrumental piece ‘Old Friends’.

The EP is now available to pre-order on BandCamp as well as iTunes  for £3 for the download and £5 for a physical edition.