November 4 [14:00 EDT] -- Man or Astro-man is looking for the next Hype Williams, Floria Sigismondi, or Spike Jonze.

One lucky grand prize winner will see his or her clip included on the band's upcoming home video ("Technical Difficulties Abound," due sometime next summer or fall according to Touch & Go Records), will receive a check for $500, and will be invited to spend Christmas with guitarist Dexter X.

The band is also handing out two second places prizes packages for the budding filmmakers who turn in the best two clips for any of the following Astro-man songs: "Planet Collision," "Inside the Atom," "Name of Numbers," "Specify Gravity," "With Automatic Shut Off," or "Sound Waves Reversing." For their work, second place winners will receive $250 and the joy of

seeing their clips included in "Technical Difficulties Abound.

The band encourages would-be video autuers to shoot on film and then send black and white or color submissions on VHS, BETA, or Digital BETA. Submissions should also be accompanied by a standard VHS copy for the band's review.

Potential masterpieces should be sent care of the Man or Astro-man? Video Contest, P.O. Box 250376, Atlanta, GA 30325. Fans can find more information on the contest at the band's website at www.astroman.com.

In addition to the winning videos and another dozen or so nuggets pulled from Man or Astro-man live performances, the video will also include rarely seen clips for:

• "Sferic Waves," directed by Sarah Jacobson
• "Nine-Volt," directed by Dave Perry
• "The Miracle of Genuine Pyrex," directed by Fury 13 Films
• "Lo-Batt," directed by Fury 13 Films
• "Maximum Checking Level"

If you prefer

to see the band in the flesh, you'll have to wait a bit. The group recently wrapped up a string of West coast dates with a performance at Bellingham, Washington's annual Garage Shock blow out, and the band is currently enjoying a well-earned rest.