The mysterious song known as CIA, recorded in the mid-1980s, has become a captivating enigma for music enthusiasts and online sleuths alike. This 42-year-old Canadian musical cold case has sparked an extensive search, with the Kitchener-Waterloo area now in the spotlight. Joe Gaschler, a dedicated moderator on Reddit's lostwave forum, has been at the forefront of this quest, gathering clues and collaborating with a growing online community.
The song's origins remain elusive, despite the efforts of amateur detectives and professionals alike. It was played on CFNY-FM, now 102.1 The Edge, and recorded onto a cassette tape, likely in 1984. The tune's style is reminiscent of the 1980s, with influences from bands like A Flock of Seagulls, Platinum Blonde, The Cure, The Romantics, and Duran Duran. Gaschler has engaged with Toronto's music scene, but the search has now expanded to Kitchener-Waterloo, suggesting the band may be from outside the Greater Toronto Area.
The song's journey to online fame began in 2020 when DJFormaldehyde uploaded it to YouTube after it was shared on Reddit. Since then, the song has sparked curiosity and investigation, with users analyzing vocals, instruments, and even potential conversations within the recording. The lack of information is intriguing, given the internet's role in music distribution and identification. Kate Galloway, an assistant professor of popular music, highlights the paradox of the internet's accessibility and the challenges of identifying anonymous recordings.
The quest for the song's origin has created a vibrant community, with people spending countless hours chasing leads. Encouraging factors include the successful identification of similar lostwaves, such as Subways of Your Mind and How Long Will It Take. However, the song CIA remains elusive, with no signs of the band or singer. Gaschler and Cross express a willingness to accept the mystery, finding joy in the search and discovering obscure bands.
The song's enduring appeal lies in its enigmatic nature, fostering a sense of community and retro nostalgia. As long as the mystery persists, the online community remains engaged, sharing insights and connecting with others in the quest for musical truth. In an era of instant information, the song CIA stands as a testament to the enduring fascination with the unknown, offering a unique blend of mystery and musical discovery.
