More than four decades ago, an individual captured a tune from the airwaves onto a cassette tape. While this act was fairly common in the 1980s, all details about the song have vanished, resulting in what online investigators refer to as a lostwave – a melody devoid of any accompanying information. The track, dubbed as “CIA” for now, remains shrouded in mystery regarding its origin, singer, recording location, and true title.
Online enthusiasts have been delving into the backstory of this song for years, and their search has now extended to the Waterloo region in southern Ontario, with hopes that locals may hold the key to unlocking its secrets. Joe Gaschler, a moderator of a Reddit forum dedicated to unraveling the mysteries behind lostwave songs, described the quest for information on “CIA” as a 42-year-old Canadian musical enigma.
Gaschler revealed that numerous individuals have engaged in the search for the band behind the song, either by carefully listening for clues within the track or assisting amateur musical detectives with their inquiries. The online community dedicated to this endeavor has grown significantly over time.
Key details known about the song are that it aired on CFNY-FM, now known as 102.1 The Edge, and was likely recorded onto tape in the mid-1980s, possibly around 1984. Despite these scant facts, the true identity of the song remains elusive.
The track exudes a typical 1980s vibe, reminiscent of bands like A Flock of Seagulls, Platinum Blonde, The Cure, The Romantics, or Duran Duran. Gaschler mentioned that the search has now shifted to the Kitchener-Waterloo area, with speculations that the band may have originated slightly outside the Greater Toronto Area.
The mystery surrounding “CIA” has persisted for years since it was first shared on YouTube in 2020. Despite efforts by various individuals, including DJFormaldehyde and Alan Cross, a seasoned broadcaster and music expert, the true identity of the song’s creators remains unknown. The search for the song’s origin continues, with dedicated individuals investing countless hours in following leads and analyzing various aspects of the song.
Experts like Kate Galloway, an assistant professor of popular music, noted the unique challenge posed by the internet in identifying certain recordings, despite its vast capabilities in music distribution and identification. The search for the origins of “CIA” has not only spurred a sense of community among enthusiasts but has also unearthed lesser-known bands, adding to the richness of musical exploration.
Cross expressed uncertainty about whether this musical mystery will ever be solved, highlighting the allure of retaining a sense of mystery in a world where information is readily accessible. Gaschler emphasized the joy of discovering obscure bands through the lostwave search, expressing a desire for the band behind “CIA” to receive the recognition they deserve for creating such a beloved song.
The quest to uncover the truth behind “CIA” continues, driven by a shared passion for music exploration and a hope to finally unveil the talented individuals responsible for the captivating tune.
If you have any information about this song, you can visit the sub-Reddit CIAlostwave or reach out to CBC K-W at yournewskw@cbc.ca with any relevant details.
