Thanks to all of you for the great tips and encouragement. A very good friend of mine is a musician and has a nice home studio. He's helped me record a couple of my songs and it's very good quality. My purpose in purchasing biab is to be able to capture a vision and sort of "rough" of what i'd like vs saying, ok, i'd like a Gilmour-esque guitar here and the drums from breathe, or this should sound like Jerry Reed, etc.

But then i started listening to some of the quality arrangements and final mix of users' songs and was totally blown away, and began to think that maybe i can get close to that quality.

He did offer to let me do vocals at his place but i wanted to at least try to get something acceptable. But he does have years of experience and understands the principles and his tool set very well.

I actually just deleted the free version of cakewalk but may reinstall. I have audacity and will try the above recommended route.

Anyway, thanks again. It's very much appreciated.