ok got audacity sorted, now to piece these beats swarming around in my head, I believe ableton would be best for me as i am a pc user. After watching a few tutorials I think ive got making beats down, but I want to lay down some of those layered cuts, and although quite new to this I think i need to learn slicing aswell for the melody loops. Is there any free software i could slice with? I'm not gangsta rich and therefore would like to hone these skills before i fork out 700 odd bucks for ableton. pretty sure i can construct the layered cuts in audacity but I cant find a slicing tool in audacity. sorry if my post is a dogs breakfast. My head is swimming with all this new found info! I think practicing turntablism for years will help with all this prodution hoowey. But really wish i had started exploring production earlier........so much to learn! thanks guys!