Sucking up game and learning the new music business? I know that phrase may sound a little crazy, but it’s something a small circle of my friends uses to describe learning inside information about something. Frequently, people ask me how they can start learning about new trends and technologies impacting the music industry. So, for those who want to “suck up game,” here are some of my favorite sources of information: Music Business Toolbox – of course, I listed my product first! It’s full of information and tools for indie musicians and labels who want to DIY. Hypebot – One of the best sources of all kinds of information on music business trends, technology and what’s happening in the business. Music Think Tank – Run by smart people and with contributions from lots of other smart people, it is “where the music industry thinks out loud”. Billboard.biz – For years, Billboard has been the standard for music business news. Check out the Industry News Section of their site. The DIY Musician – Published by the good folks at CD Baby, they have lots of practical advice on “moving your music forward” as a Do It Yourself musician. Future of Music Coalition – The FMC is a great organization that educates, empowers and advocates on behalf of artists. Check out the fact sheets and try to attend the conference in the fall. Digital Media Wire – A good source of information covering a wide range of digital media topics. It can be a bit technical, but it has tons of good info. They also run a series of great conferences called Digital Music Forum East/West. Music Ally – A UK-based group of researchers, strategists and advisers publish this blog and very insightful reports providing us with “information and strategy for the music business” Mashable – Considering how important social media is to the music industry now, this is a good source for things in the space. They also have a special music section. One House – The site is run by one of the most prominent leaders and smartest guys in this space, Jim Griffin. Click on “Pho” and ask to join the list. But, make sure you set up a rule to put all emails into a separate folder because sometimes we’ll get 20 or more in a day. So what are you waiting for? Click those links, “suck up some game,” and start learning the new music business today.