Emma Skye is an artist just starting out. She recorded her first music fairly recently, and we thought it would be interesting to talk to someone just starting about what they use in making music.

"I’m influenced by artists like Trent Reznor, Kidney Thieves, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Serj Tankian / SOAD, Thanatos, Marilyn Manson, Voltaire, Otep, Danny Elfman, and The Vines," says Skye. "I know a lot of artists don’t like to categorize themselves, and I can understand why, but I think sometimes it can help people find music they like. I think of myself as progressive industrial."

Skye says music is what she wants to do with her life. She has been writing music for around five years and it seemed time to record.

"I need to do more recording and chisel some things out more, but I should be ready to put a compilation out soon," she says.

Skye's chosen recording software is Garageband -- not a surprising choice since it comes free with your Mac OS X operating system.

"It’s a pretty decent program. One of my favorite features is the 'Musical Typing' which basically just converts your keyboard into a little piano that you type on." says Skye. "It’s got a pretty wide range of effects and loops that come with it, which makes for unique music if you use it right. My one complaint is that it’s hard to get your timing just right on it, and even with editing it’s hard to get good timing. I guess it’s just little technical problems here and there that seem to work together in order to really frustrate you once on a while. I also wish that it came with an accordion setting. But I guess I’ll just have to shell out some cash to buy an actual one."

Garageband has numerous limitations, and when you run into them there is always Logic. Some home recording enthusiasts swear by a particular kind of software, but really it is as much what you get used to as it is the features of the software. Someone who learned on Cubase is liable to gravitate toward similar software just like someone who learns on a Gibson guitar will feel more comfortable with that.

We asked Skye what she thought would improve Garageband.

"I think the program would be easier to use if the artist had more control in the editing area. Some things just get done by the computer automatically and a lot of the time it doesn’t work out for the best," she says. "I suspect a lot of these problems have already been fixed in the new version of GarageBand though, since I’m using an older one."

Skye uses no physical instruments when recording but when writing she uses a Hohner guitar.

"I use my acoustic guitar which is a Hohner. It’s not a fancy or expensive guitar, but my grandpa gave it to me, so it’s very sentimental for me," she says. "My electric is busted right now, so I’m looking into getting a new one. As far as amps go, I’m fond of brands like Line 6 and Randall."

Hohner has made some serviceable knock-off guitars over the years (as well as some very dubious ones). The Hohner brand tend to sell for new at (well) under $500. They are also good for beginners in that you can find decent used ones for less than $100. People seem to buy them, meaning to learn, and then put them in a closet. Skye plans to get a new guitar soon.

"This month I’m buying a Dean Evo Noir S3. The Evo Noir is an awesome guitar because it’s great quality and extremely affordable at a low cost of $300," says Skye. "The first time it caught my eye was when I noticed Trent Reznor using it during his “With Teeth” Tour in 2005. I’m also looking into buying an MXR M-103 Blue Box. The Blue Box is a great little pedal because you can use it for anything from recreating a Mario Bros. song to doing a Hendrix cover."

This is to say nothing of the fact that Jimmy Page used one of the orignal MXR Blue boxes on "Fool in the Rain." These days you can pick one of these pedals around $70. The vintage ones are a great deal more. You will find people trying to pass off new ones as vintage so beware.

The Dean Evo Noir does sell for around $300 and has an arched maple top and mahogany body. The tuners are Grovers, and it has Dean Humbucker pickups. It looks like a more than serviceable guitar for the price.

Skye's music can be heard on MySpace, and any artists who have gear suggestions can look her up there. In the meantime she has some high aims.

"Ultimately I want to reach out to people and connect with a wide range of artists as well as non-artists," she says. "As much as I love the creative aspects of music like the sound and unique tones, my favorite part about it is being able to communicate and relate to other people on higher levels than you can achieve with just talking. In my mind, there’s no better way to break cultural and superficial barriers than through art."

Skye would love to get signed to a label and hopes to work to raise money for charities she is involved with like RAINN (the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network) and Food Not Bombs.