Software Advice - Making Music For Commercial Use, Music Generators / Samples / Loops Options

[hardluckdrive]

Hi,

I have some musical experience with real instruments but little experience in software. I have been getting pulled in so many directions in trying to search for information on good software for my purposes that I am basically standing still.

I am looking for the best options for free software that will allow me to make make music for commercial use.

Are there any you can recommend that have good virtual instruments?

Also, are there any good free options that provide mixable loops that are available for commercial use?

Thanks for any advice.

[mortalengines]

Yes it's true if you already own a Mac. Garageband is a really good way in. Especially considering that it comes free with the Mac. It's very easy to use (I learned it in an afternoon) but it's a little limited in terms of instruments and effects (though there are free AU unit plugs out there). If you want something with a little more, you should really check this out:

http://www.reaper.fm/

Again, even if you don't pay the 60 dollars you still have a working version. You just get a nag screen that comes up every time you start the program.