The Launch returned to television for its second episode, and brought with it some serious competition, creative juices, and in the end, another #1 single as Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine recorded and released a killer rendition of Ain't Easy to the world.
The Ottawa-based duo were strong from their audition (including a stripped down and powerful take on Major Lazer's Lean On) forward in the episode, showing confidence, talent, and a willingness to put in the work required to win the day.
Episode two mentors Jennifer Nettles and Ryan Tedder (along with Big Machine 's Scott Borchetta) worked well with the pair, with Tedder especially willing to collaborate when it came time to record the single.
We asked about the confidence they had to approach the hitmaker with their ideas and suggestions, and they told us they "wanted to walk in the room and say we love this song, here's how we think we can make it us." and that Tedder "opened the door for collaboration and he is a pro at that.". Elijah added that "I think that's what sets Ryan apart... he's a leave your ego at the door sorta guy. And that's exactly how Jamie and I work.".
Our conversation also touched on what the last couple of days have been like, and the duo told us that it's been busy. They estimate that they had about 30 interviews on Thursday, with more lined up for Friday. They also played a live show on Thursday night, adding to the busyness of their time in Toronto around the show's airing. It hasn't left a lot of time for sleep, but they both agree that it could be worse.
They also said that being so busy has cut down on their ability to truly absorb what's been happening. Ain't Easy hit #1 on iTunes on Thursday, and as we were talking on Friday morning Elijah and Jamie learned that they had cracked the Top 25 on YouTube Canada's trending videos list.
Elijah told us that they took a few moments to lock themselves in a bathroom on Thursday night to talk about everything that's happened, and to realize that it's all for real. And while it may only have been a few minutes, we're glad they got it.
Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine (EWxJF) are certainly confident when it comes to their music, but in person they remain kind, open, and a good hang (even in a short amount of time). Those traits will no doubt help them as the continue to make music, make connections, and move forward in their career.
While we were with Elijah and Jamie we got the duo to play a quick round of 5 Quick Questions. Here we go...
5 Quick Questions with Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine
Q) What was the first song you performed together for an audience?
It was a surprising answer, but kind of cool that with five singles released before this one, they hadn't yet performed together.
Q) What was the first album you bought?
Elijah) Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP
Jamie) 50 Cent - Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
Q) Do you have a dream collaboration partner?
EWxJF) Jamie told us that Cher is her queen, but that at the top of their collaboration wishlist is Adele!
Q) Is there a city or venue at the top of your wishlist?
EWxJF) Almost immediately, Elijah told us that Red Rocks is at the top of the list for the duo.
Q) Is there an artist that you think people should be paying more attention to?
EWxJF) Bille Eilish, Elijah told us that he found her early and has been listening whenever there's something new to hear.
As their sixth single, Ain't Easy looks like it will pave the way for big things for the duo out of Ottawa. They can now claim a #1 single to go with two other songs ( Catchin Feels and Wouldn't Be Enough) boasting more than 1 million spins each on Spotify.
And while they know that life is about to get busier still, they told us that connecting with fans and listeners is still important to them, and they plan to continue to do that as much as they can.
We don't know exactly what will come next for Elijah Woods x Jamie Fine, but we know they're well prepared to keep making the music they want to make, are willing to put in the work to make it as good as they possibly can, and are looking forward to it all!
Ain't Easy was written by Ryan Tedder, Zach Skelton, Camila Cabello, and produced by Ryan Tedder.
