diff --git a/extra/release.py b/extra/release.py
index de4d55029..302a5f3de 100755
--- a/extra/release.py
+++ b/extra/release.py
@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+
 """A utility script for automating the beets release process.
 """
 import click