Canadian born and raised, I was a top club DJ for 18 years while also producing music at various studios and in my home studio. I'm retired now but work on various projects that come my way.
Many, but only keyboards and vocals with any decency.
I have used many over the years, but presently use Steinberg's Cubase PRO 8.5 64bit.
CI2+ , plus other studio gear.
I listen to a wide variety of music, but mostly I listen to the project I'm working on.... over and over and over.
Too many to list.
My influences are widely varied. It's easier to say that I avoid any music with "gangster" or "death" in the description. lol
I try to get my productions to sound like whatever a client wants it to, but I've been accused of having a "top 40" polish.
...am retired.