I am excited by the potential for computer-based multimedia to provide both immersion and satisfying interaction in an artistic context. However, I am also frustrated by the rigid forms that have become the norm in multimedia. Artificial life shows potential for overcoming some of these problems at least in art and entertainment applications. Multimedia experiences involving alife may emphasise an appreciation of systems and processes and lead to a deeper appreciation of such sytems nature. Other notions such as vital presence and memetics reinforce my interest in artificial life. Practical extensions of these ideas can be seen in the three alife musical works described. The results have been both satisfying for me creatively as well as motivating me to take the works further.