On choosing music software...

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!

You might want to check out Reason by propellerheads (their site) I don't have a midi keyboard, but I have the program. I like the program as it is, but if you have a midi keyboard you can do so much with it. When you get it the program comes with 2 sound banks which should keep you occupied for a while. There are so many cool things you can do with it that I don't really know where to start. So look into it and if you have any questions feel free to send me a U2U

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?

Even though I use Pro tools on a regular basis (at least twice a week) I don't actually know a great deal about it.
This link will help
www.digidesign.com...

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.