A song was recorded onto a cassette tape over 40 years ago from the radio. Although not uncommon in the 1980s, all details about the song have vanished, leading to what online investigators term a lostwave – a track lacking any associated information. Referred to as “CIA” for now, the song’s origins remain a mystery, prompting a search that has now extended to Waterloo region in southern Ontario, as enthusiasts hope locals may hold clues.
Joe Gaschler, a forum moderator on Reddit dedicated to unraveling lostwave mysteries, described “CIA” as a 42-year-old Canadian musical enigma. Thousands of individuals have engaged in the quest to identify the band behind the song, listening intently for hints or sharing insights with fellow amateur sleuths.
Key details known so far include the song’s airing on CFNY-FM, now known as 102.1 The Edge, and a belief that it was taped in the mid-1980s, possibly in 1984. Despite these fragments of information, the song’s true identity remains elusive.
The tune’s sound resonates with the typical vibe of the mid-1980s, reminiscent of bands like A Flock of Seagulls, Platinum Blonde, The Cure, The Romantics, or Duran Duran. Gaschler mentioned that the search has broadened to the Kitchener-Waterloo area, with speculation that the band might originate from a location slightly beyond the Greater Toronto Area.
Originally uploaded to YouTube in July 2020 by user DJFormaldehyde, the song gained attention on Reddit earlier that year. Despite efforts by DJFormaldehyde and others, including discussions with individuals associated with CFNY-FM, such as Alan Cross, Liz Janick, and Ivor Hamilton, the song’s creators remain unidentified. Cross expressed skepticism about resolving the mystery, highlighting the challenges posed by the song’s anonymity.
The relentless pursuit to unveil the origins of “CIA” has consumed countless hours of investigation, with a community forming around the shared quest. While technologies like Shazam simplify song identification today, the mysterious nature of “CIA” persists, enhancing the allure of the search for both investigators and music enthusiasts.
Kate Galloway, an assistant professor specializing in popular music, emphasized the communal aspect of exploring lostwave mysteries, noting the nostalgia and social connections that emerge during such endeavors. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the song’s creators, the search continues, driven by a shared passion for uncovering hidden musical gems.
The allure of the unknown surrounding “CIA” keeps enthusiasts engaged, offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of lostwave music and the potential for discovering overlooked musical talents. Gaschler remains optimistic that the band behind “CIA” will eventually receive the recognition they deserve, symbolizing the culmination of a dedicated search spanning decades.