So I am looking to start doing some music at home, having always previously recorded in studios or with people who have their own equipment and have handled that side of things.

What are the basics of equipment and software needed to get releasable quality sound on recordings? (I'm sure that is quite a subjective term but I basically mean up to scratch so it could have faeasibly been done in a studio).

Equipment: I have a new pretty high-spec laptop but is it a given that I should be investing in some sort of external soundcard? Any recommendations? Any other equipment that you would say is essential? I'd be looking to record guitar, bass, vocals and electronic drums.

Software: Would be looking to use Cubase I imagine and I know people who could handle this side of things.

Thanks so much