The odds are incredibly high that most recording artists have never heard of the term "strategic signing". Furthermore, most are not aware the term identifies them--until years after the fact.

A "strategic signing" is one of the most commonly used--and underhanded-- tactics in the recording industry, and like a thief in the night, it takes away precious careers.

Let's give an example: If you have been following the hit FOX-TV show, AMERICAN IDOL, you are well aware of the tremendous voice, talent, and personality of 19 year-old contestant Fanatasia Barrino. In the very early stages of the singing contest, judges Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell complimented Fantasia and remarked how her singing style reminded them of Macy Gray. As the competition progressed, Fantasia went on to dazzle the nation with her expressive, church-drenched vocal abilities. She is now heavily favored to win the competition when it concludes in early May.

Now let's look at Macy Gray and imagine she is signed with a fictional production company/record label called "Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe" (DeCheHo). DeCheHo has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in developing Gray (studio time, ad campaigns, marketing, voice lessons, choreography, music videos, photos, etc) and are poised to make a grand entrance with their star with high hopes of making their investment pay off handsomely.

One day, upon turning on the TV, they catch Fantasia's performance and hear the judges make the comment on how she sounds like Gray. The DeCheHo execs are immediately stricken with fear, dread, and doom for they know that all their money, time and committment on Gray would be lost if Fantasia comes out with her product before they could release Gray's. With two artists of similar style, money which normally would have went to only one of them could end up being split by the two. If this were to happen, DeCheHo could be financially devastated.

Faced with this possibility, DeCheHo executives, in our still fictional world, do a "strategic signing" on Fantasia, and Gray soon becomes a superstar while Fantasia is never heard from again.

How is this so?

Consider: DeCheHo signs Fantasia with offers of a very lucrative contract. They flash large amounts of cash ( notice I did not say SPEND large amounts of cash) and promise her the moon on a platter if she signs with them. Fantasia drops out of the competition on AMERICAN IDOL and signs what looks like a sure thing with DeCheHo.

Upon signing, Fantasia expects to be in studio right away recording her CD. Not so fast, DeCheHo says to Fantasia.

"We need to work out your arrangements some more; give us a week or two", the execs say.

In the meantime, Macy Gray's project moves ahead.

After a few weeks, Fantasia asks when she is going to record.

"We still need some time on your songs. It'll be soon", the execs say.

Gray's project is now on the store shelves and her video begins to get rotation on MTV and BET. Her marketing plan is proceeding as normal.

A few more months have passed, and Fantasia is getting understandably upset that her project is now one in name only.

Sensing her irritation, DeCheHO execs finally send her to the studio to record, mix and master a song. Upon completion, however, they say the song "needs more work" and orders her back to the studio to re-record it.

It takes three more attempts--and nearly 5 months--before Fantasia delivers what the DeCheHo execs say is a satisfactory FIRST record. This procedure repeats itself for the other 13 tunes for her CD project.

Gray, as planned, is now a worldwide superstar, with sales of her debut CD reaching unprecedented heights.

With Fantasia, nearly 3 years has passed since her signing and not one of her recordings have been relased despite being told they were "OK" by DeCheHo. Each time she asks about a release date, excuse after excuse is given.

"It's the wrong time of the year; let's wait 'til Christmas", they tell her in March.

"Records just don't sell well in cold months; let's wait until the kids go on spring break", they tell her in November.

Finally, after 4 years of frustration, Fantasia asks--and is given--a release from her contract. Se s now forced to start over, with 4 precious years of her career stolen from her, never to be regained. It is only much later, after charting Macy Gray's rise and comparing it to her own stalled career does she realize that she "got played".

Fantasia tries to sue DeChe Ho, but they bring her contract to court and prove that EVERYTHING THEY DID WAS LEGAL.

Now, not only has she lost the case, but she is now in debt for the attorney fees--as well as all the costs associated with her still-on-the-shelf recordings.

Busted and disgusted with the music business, Fantasia leaves the industry, another victim of its callousness.

She now works fries at the McDonald's in Little Rock (just kidding!).

This scenario, unfortunately, happens all the time. In Part 2, let's examine how artists can protect themselves in such situations and avoid the headaches they are sure to bring.