I've been writing/recording/playing for years. I play guitar. I can get by with bass. I can program decent drum beats. My vocals aren't my strong point, but I do those too. Right now I'm most interested in mixing.
I'm most drawn to older rock. I like metal too. I also like mellow acoustic songs.
My DAW is Sonar Platinum. I cannot say enough about it. Focusrite Saffire Pro 24dsp for an interface. For guitar I use a BC Rich Warlock with Joe Satriani Dimarzio pickups and an Epiphone SG400 Custom. My monitors are M-Audio Studiophile MV40's (I'm ready to move up to some HS80's if you're willing to donate). I use a Shure Beta 58A for a mic.
Software wise I prefer UAD compressors and limiters, Waves delays, and for EQ the Analog87 CM EQUA. My guitar sounds come from Amplitube. I use Addictive drummer when it suits me to put together a drum line.