Hello! I'm a new member to this forum, though I've visited the site occasionally over the past few years.

I'm a first time remixer and was wondering if any of you guys or gals have recommendations for remixing/music creation software (preferably freeware). I've already tried Audacity, and that's okay for simple edits (maybe I don't fully comprehend the capacities of the program), but I really want a program that allows me to create my own sounds and beats (one that has instruments in it) rather than only working with and editing audio files I might already have. Essentially, I want to make new background music for songs and mix in the original vocals if possible. Can this even be done without a keyboard of sorts?

And on the same note, for those of you who are able to almost completely isolate voices and make acoustic versions of songs, any tips?

Thanks in advance for any input! I feel like I have some decent remix ideas brewing but no way to bring them to life.