I have all this music stuff what do I do with it.

[Freewave]

Since I couldn't fit what I wanted in the title...let me expand.

I have FL Studio and Ableton

Tons of Plugins, Samples, and all the vocal-only episodes from the show.

I have my computer, mouse, and headphones.

Now what? I know the obvious answer is "Start remixing stuff you silly filly!" But I can't help but think I need a keyboard to make producing a little easier. I was on Skype earlier talking with some guys in the MLR chat and some said "Yeah they're important" some said "Well they're just tools for testing sounds." and some said "Yeah they're important for tools for testing sounds". So I just want to know if a keyboard is indeed important for what I want to do. If not then what is. "Well Soul" You may ask "What do you want to do?". Well I want to do Drum n Bass, Electro House, and Trance. I don't know what I need to make those kinds of music besides a DAW, and passion. Well there's a pretty damn big chunk missing there. How? HOW do I do those kinds of music, what MAKES those kinds of music identifiable? What makes them not the whole same ol' thing? What can make them special? What can you do to make it your own 'style'? Before I can really dive balls deep into this whole thing I need to know the answer to those questions.

Thanks from future me for the help!

~Soul

But is the ultimate answer to this question, "you should buy your software"? Ultimately I'd have to say while a perfectly valid stance, it's completely off-topic from his request.

Getting back to his question there's load of youtube videos showing exactly what people do within the DAWS and what vst's are recommended to make these different genres of music. How to assemble them. Simplying owning them (legitimately or not) is not enough to make music. Knowing how to use them (via videos, help guides, forums, etc) and doing so through practice is going to make it happen.

He definitely needs to start with ONE DAW and start from there.

[Lavender_Harmony]

But throwing money into something you have no idea if you are passionate about is not imperative to becoming a good musician. :I

Music software does not depreciate quickly. Frustration leads to giving up, investing will make you commit to learning it more, this is the point we're trying to make. There are also plenty tools that are as competent as the pay for ones, Reaper for example, has an infinite try before you by period, unrestricted.

[Freewave]

Reaper isn't unlimited like it used to be (older versions were). Still a 30 day trial of that is a good option as it's a great DAW, wonderful for those who don't have the fastest of computers as its not a resource hog, and a cheap buy as well if you do go for it. TBH most DAWs have a trial period for try before you buy which is a great way to find out if they are worth the cost.

[Tantalus]

But is the ultimate answer to this question, "you should buy your software"? Ultimately I'd have to say while a perfectly valid stance, it's completely off-topic from his request.

Getting back to his question there's load of youtube videos showing exactly what people do within the DAWS and what vst's are recommended to make these different genres of music. How to assemble them. Simplying owning them (legitimately or not) is not enough to make music. Knowing how to use them (via videos, help guides, forums, etc) and doing so through practice is going to make it happen.

He definitely needs to start with ONE DAW and start from there.

Thanks DJ for getting things 'Back on track' so to speak. I am working hard to learn FL. Its been fun and I am enjoying it. Mostly working on synths right now. Melodies etc etc. Getting a book in the mail anytime now. The Dance Music Manual. Recommended by Essper. Just what I need. A book "I have several on the subject"

[Lavender_Harmony]

Basically none of you are listening to my argument, and I no longer care to help as a result.

Have fun.

[Tantalus]

Basically none of you are listening to my argument, and I no longer care to help as a result.

Have fun.

I was listening...I read your arguement. I agreed with it. Just didn't respond. Sorry if it seems that we don't care.