More than four decades ago, an individual captured a song from the radio on a cassette tape. While this was a common practice in the 1980s, all details regarding the song have vanished, leading to what online investigators refer to as a lostwave – a melody devoid of any identifying information. The track is currently known as “CIA.”
Internet users have been delving into the origins of this mystery for years, with the search now extending to the Waterloo region in southern Ontario. Joe Gaschler, a forum moderator on Reddit dedicated to unraveling lostwave song mysteries, described the quest for information on this particular track as a “42-year-old Canadian musical cold case.”
Gaschler mentioned the significant efforts of thousands of individuals who have contributed in some way to unraveling the mystery behind this elusive song. The song was aired on CFNY-FM, now 102.1 The Edge, and is believed to have been recorded onto tape in the mid-1980s, potentially around 1984.
Despite extensive investigations and inquiries in Toronto and now the Kitchener-Waterloo area, the band behind “CIA” remains unknown. Various experts, including Alan Cross, a prominent broadcaster and former music director at CFNY-FM, have been consulted in the search for answers without success.
The online community dedicated to solving the mystery behind “CIA” has invested countless hours analyzing vocals, instruments used, potential background noises in the track, and historical contexts such as music contests from that era. However, the true identity of the artists responsible for the song remains elusive.
Kate Galloway, an assistant professor of popular music at Wilfrid Laurier University, noted the unique challenge presented by the internet in identifying certain recordings despite its vast capabilities. In contrast to modern tools like Shazam, the search for the origins of “CIA” continues to elude resolution, sparking curiosity and collaboration within the online music community.
As the quest for the lostwave artist persists, enthusiasts find solace in the shared experience of uncovering hidden musical gems and fostering a sense of camaraderie. While the mystery surrounding “CIA” may endure, the search has unearthed a trove of obscure yet remarkable music, underscoring the gratification derived from exploring forgotten musical treasures.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Gaschler remains optimistic about the eventual revelation of the band behind “CIA,” eager for them to receive the recognition and acclaim their music deserves. The enduring allure of the mystery surrounding this enigmatic song continues to captivate individuals, drawing them into a shared journey of discovery and appreciation for undiscovered musical talents.
