I am a singer/songwriter who's been making music for about a decade (often with the help of looperman) & I've played with various bands throughout the years.
Guitar, a little piano, and I've begin to pick up bass.
I use Audacity, but I admit that I should probably upgrade, lol.
I just use a plug and play mic, and I record my keyboards, guitars and vocals directly into it.
I've been really impressed by the crop of young female singer/songwriter artists coming up in the mainstream. Sasha Sloan is one. Allie X is the best pop girl out there, imo.
Avril Lavigne - The Best Damn Thing
Amanda Palmer - Theatre Is Evil
Liz Phair - Whitechocolatespaceegg
Letters to Cleo - Wholesale Meats & Fish
As a teen I loved pop punk like Green Day, then I grew to love '90s powerpop like Superdrag and Letters to Cleo. Kendrick Lamar is the only rap artist I follow, and I know I should expand my horizons.
Liz Phair, Mitski, Alanis (though I loathe that comparison).
I am a school teacher who just loves making music.