Today in the mail I received something very exciting - Cakewalk Sonar 7 Studio edition. This is one of a few ingredients that mark the beginning of my new project,  for which I'll be setting aside a great deal of time, which is to produce my own album. Aside from the digital audio workstation software (Sonar 7 Studio), I have ordered:

1. An E-MU 8761 USB audio interface (see the amazon listing here)
2. One Audio Technica 3035 large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone for vocals
3. One Shure SM57 small diaphragm cardioid dynamic microphone for guitar/ukulele/banjo/etc.
4. A MIDI keyboard
5. A mic stand!

I'll be recording on my shiny new Dell Vostro notebook, 2GHz dual processor, 2GB RAM, 120GB HDD at 7200rpm with Windows XP, which I bought specifically for this purpose. I may acquire more kit, or trade things in for something else upon discovering they don't work for me, but regardless I'll be writing about it all here, from recording the first track to (hopefully) distribution of the finished CD.

As ever, if anyone has any advice or experiences with recording/producing, please share! I am such a newb to this, anything would be helpful.

All the best,
Hannah