Groovy
Um, Im just gonna say its good overall. However, why are you not going to use garageband anymore? I don't see why its such a bad program? Except for the drums samples.
And I am going to tell you a way to improve an instrument! HAH. With the kickdrum, if you duplicate the midi info into a hip-hop bass, it helps fill it out more. But, like you said, you're not using Garageband anymore. But whatever, its cool as always!
Now I have to check out the Picco conest.
Great work!