More than four decades ago, an individual captured a song from the radio onto a cassette tape. This act was not uncommon in the 1980s; however, all details pertaining to the song have vanished, resulting in what online investigators refer to as a lostwave – a track devoid of any accompanying information. The song, currently known as “CIA,” remains shrouded in mystery, with no knowledge of its performers, recording location, or actual title.
A dedicated forum on Reddit, moderated by Joe Gaschler, has been actively engaged in unraveling the origins of lostwave songs. Gaschler described “CIA” as a 42-year-old enigma in the Canadian music landscape, emphasizing the collective efforts of numerous individuals striving to uncover the identity of the elusive band behind the song.
The search for answers has extended to the Waterloo region in southern Ontario, with hopes that locals might hold vital clues. The song was initially aired on CFNY-FM, now recognized as 102.1 The Edge, and is believed to have been taped in the mid-1980s, possibly in 1984. Despite these scant details, the online community remains persistent in their quest for resolution.
The song’s musical elements evoke a quintessential 1980s vibe, reminiscent of bands like A Flock of Seagulls, Platinum Blonde, The Cure, The Romantics, or Duran Duran. Gaschler noted that the search has reached Toronto’s music circles, with speculations pointing towards the Kitchener-Waterloo area as a potential origin for the band.
The unveiling of “CIA” to the public occurred when user DJFormaldehyde uploaded it on YouTube in July 2020, following an earlier post on Reddit by user datafreq in February of the same year. Despite extensive inquiries with former CFNY-FM staff and musicians, the mystery remains unsolved. Notably, veteran broadcaster and music writer Alan Cross, after initial skepticism, has also engaged in efforts to identify the elusive song.
The online search for the song’s origins has fostered a sense of community among enthusiasts, driven by a shared passion for uncovering lostwave gems. Despite the challenges posed by the anonymity of online music distribution, the dedicated sleuths continue their pursuit, buoyed by successful resolutions in similar cases.
Kate Galloway, an assistant professor of popular music at Wilfrid Laurier University, acknowledged the unique allure of lostwave mysteries and the sense of camaraderie they inspire within online communities. The ongoing pursuit of the band behind “CIA” symbolizes a blend of nostalgia and modern technological challenges, encapsulating the enduring appeal of musical enigmas.
As Gaschler and fellow enthusiasts persevere in their quest for closure, the hope remains that the elusive band responsible for “CIA” will finally receive the recognition it deserves. The search for the truth behind this obscure song serves not only as a musical investigation but also as a celebration of undiscovered talents waiting to be unearthed.