Over 40 years ago, a mystery song was recorded onto a cassette tape from the radio. The song, known as “CIA,” has since become a lostwave, with no information about its origin available. Online enthusiasts have been trying to uncover the song’s history, expanding their search to the Waterloo region in southern Ontario. Joe Gaschler, a forum moderator on Reddit dedicated to solving lostwave mysteries, describes “CIA” as a 42-year-old Canadian musical enigma.
The song was played on CFNY-FM, now called 102.1 The Edge, and is believed to have been taped in the mid-1980s, potentially in 1984. Despite extensive efforts by thousands of individuals to identify the band behind “CIA,” the song’s origins remain elusive. The online community has grown significantly, with people analyzing the song’s characteristics and reaching out to individuals associated with the 1980s music scene for clues.
The search for “CIA” continues, with users investing countless hours in pursuing leads. Kate Galloway, an assistant professor of popular music at Wilfrid Laurier University, notes the unique challenge posed by the song’s anonymity in an era where music identification tools are widely available. Gaschler emphasizes the significance of unveiling the band behind “CIA” to recognize their talent and the impact of their music on fans over the years.
Despite the extensive search efforts, the mystery surrounding “CIA” persists, fostering a sense of community among online sleuths engaged in unraveling lostwave mysteries. The unresolved nature of the song’s origin adds to its allure, with enthusiasts discovering and appreciating obscure bands along the way. Gaschler remains optimistic about uncovering the band behind “CIA” to give them the recognition they deserve for creating a beloved song that has captivated listeners for decades.