What music software would satisfy my need if I wanted to be able to create music (from say, a MIDI keyboard) create some killer rhytms and maybe combine it with vocals, mix it down and burn it on to a CD.

I've worked some with Steinberg's Cubase VST, which is a nice program, but I'm sure it'll be able to do all of the above mentioned. And since I'm thinking of building the system from scratch, what exactly would you suggest, I get?

Any insights welcomed!

I reccomend Cubase and propellerheads. It all depends what exactely you are doing. I mean my favourite music software is Pro Tools but that is used more in studio situations.

Hey guys; thanks for the input.
History; checked out Propellerhead's Reason, sounds interesting, reminds me, that I read about this somewhere before, It was suppose to have been the hype a while back, simplifying the process of making music with software...

Earthtone; could you explain a bit about Pro Tools, sound interesting, what are the specs, requirements and such... A link perhaps?

I just bought this equipment, I think it should get me started. I plan to use my laptop to run it;
Edirol Midi-keyboard PCR-80
US122 Tascam Audiointerface US122
ST9600 Steinberg Cubase SL-2 PC/Mac.