So I write music with my guitar/bass/harmonica etc but I'd really like to move into making chill-step music only. I use my keyboard in garageband to create synths for atmospheric effect, but that is all the experience I have. I know I'll be able to pick it up, I just don't know where to begin! I'm on a budget tho, so cheap/free software would be really nice!
Look into VST's instruments, and FL Studio. That's all you really need, but honestly a lot of dream pop is vocals, I'd say 60%, you'll need good vocals from a female or a male with a hi voice, book studio time for that if you want to do it right.
I dont make music but cut cutting mixing and the like and I like to use the same stuff I use for video editing Sony Vegas pro 12 for putting the whole thing together and has the added element of video editing.
Reaper for instruments, fl studio or cubase for electronics PS download free samples to mix with your songs. A lot of producers let you use theirs