If this is gonna cost me $, you'll have to count me out then. I'm broke, living off loans until I graduate and get a job.
FWIW, the standard analog way of doing things is drums, bass, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, keys, misc. instruments, vox. In the computer age it's probably easier to do other ways.
and Kirk, remember that though you've been doing this a while, we're novices!
And "favorite time signature?" "lyrics" etc. - how about we simply do a short, straight-ahead 4/4 rock instrumental first. No need to tackle an epic with time changes and stuff only to run into technical difficulties. Let's make sure we can actually DO this before we attempt to do a masterpiece. "FUN" is the word. No need to try to figure out skill levels and such right now. I say use the KISS method for now - Keep It Simple, Stupid!
Of course, my involvement depends on time and $.
Finally, with the issue of lyrics, We're a diverse group of people from different continents, cultures, political views, religious views, and social views. This should be a project that brings us together. I wouldn't want to be a part of a project that bashed Christianity, or promoted the legalization of marijuana anymore than someone else my not want play on a song that's anti-marijuana or pro-Christianity. So, may I suggest we don't get political, religious, or even ideological in this song-writing. Keep it, ya know, "fun" and "friendly." Just my two cents.
Spaz out.