The Machine Needs a Heart is an immersive virtual reality experience that transforms the karaoke machine into a portal to an imagined digital afterlife. Inspired by the bizarre phenomenon of the ‘My Way’ Killings in the Philippines, murders linked to public singing of Frank Sinatra’s My Way, the work invites users to step into a lush, paradisiacal landscape, guided by an celestial songster god. In this space, audiences are urged to sing the once-forbidden song without fear, as an act of collective catharsis. Blending Catholic iconography, Filipino mythologies and speculative storytelling, the work turns a site of tension into one of joy, vulnerability and voice-driven power. Through this convergence of folklore and technology, The Machine Needs a Heart  explores how digital spaces can hold spiritual meaning and invite connection across cultural and generational divides.

Colin Smith and Jen Datu are an Australian-Filipinx artist duo whose collaborative practice draws on the idiosyncrasies of Filipino culture to examine how spirituality, superstition and collective healing evolve through technology. Their installation and performances reimagine social rituals, like kareoke – as immersive transformative encounters. For this work they collaborated with technical artists Caitlin Lomax, founder of Intr Studio and an XR producer and software engineer, and Delta Kirkham, 2D/3D artist known for crafting stylised digital environments.

Colin Smith is a queer and neurodivergent Filipinx artist practicing on Whadjuk Noongar boodja (Boorloo/Perth). Their interdisciplinary visual arts practice examines ideas of faith and personal belief systems, where they emerge and how they are expressed under late-capitalism. These ideas are often playfully explored through karaoke performance, digital collage and installations that reimagine social gathering spaces.

Jensine Datu (b.1992) is an Australian-Filipinx artist living and working in Boorloo/Perth, on Whadjuk Noongar country. They are developing an interdisciplinary practice that is interested in antagonising boundaries of spirituality and violence. Through repetition and subversion, they process the emergence of intuitive self-healing in their work. They graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Fine Art and have been involved in exhibitions at Pig Melon (WA) and The Substation (Singapore), as well as residencies with Nod Space, Fremantle Arts Centre, Cool Change Contemporary.

Caitlin Lomax is an XR producer, software engineer and founder of Intr Studio. She creates cutting-edge XR experiences in games, virtual reality and interactive media. With a software engineering (game development) degree, Caitlin blends technical expertise with creative production, working on titles like Shattered (Meta Quest 2024) and Moving Out 2 (AGDAs 2023 Winner). Caitlin also produced Lustration VR (SXSW 2022) and the award-winning Shell VR Pitstop. A recognised industry leader, Caitlin sits on the Immerse Australia board and WA Games Week steering committee, driving innovation in games, motion capture, and real-time experiences.

Delta Kirkham is an Australian 2D/3D artist with a strong focus on stylised environmental assets for games. Passionate about visual storytelling and worldbuilding, she holds both a Certificate IV and Diploma in Animation and Game Art. Her talent was recognised early when she was awarded the gold medal in the Western Australia WorldSkills competition for 3D Game Art. Delta is currently working as a 3D artist with Funny Fintan on Don’t Stop, Girlypop! as well as an unannounced project with Intr Studio. With a growing portfolio and a keen eye for imaginative, characterful environments, she continues to bring charm and personality to the worlds she helps create.

Natalie Marinho is an award-winning narrative designer, producer and artist with over fifteen years experience in digital media and six years specialising in augmented reality. Passionate about XR and the intersection of people, design and technology, Natalie’s background spans immersive experiences, video games, gamification, telecommunications and international development. As founder and creative director of Voyant Augmented Reality, Natalie designs bespoke mixed reality experiences for creative industries. She chairs Immerse Australia and has served on industry bodies including Screenwest’s Advisory Committee and WA Games Week. Her XR artworks have been exhibited in BLEED, 10 Nights in Port and Fremantle Design Week. She holds a Master in International Relations and Psychology.

Images: Colin Smith and Jen Datu, The Machine Needs a Heart, 2025, boorda yeyi Intensive Mentorship Open Studio, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. Courtesy of the artist. boorda yeyi Intensive Mentorship Open Studio, 2025, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. Photo: Tristan McKenzie.

Header Image: Colin Smith & Jen Datu, The Machine Needs a Heart (2025). Courtesy of the artist.