Mark Salling of Glee - Exclusive Interview

Mark Salling took a break from his busy Glee schedule last week to talk to Rickey.org! We are so gleeking out right now. Mark chats about his work with ConAgra Foods and The Child Hunger Ends Here campaign, the Glee Live tour,  Rebecca Black, a new album in the works and of course, Glee.

What inspired you to get involved and become the spokesperson for ConAgra foods and the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign?

Mark: Well, I’m always kind of looking out for easy ways for campaigns and charities that make it really easy for people to help out besides just donating money. This particular campaign, people are able to save their ConAgra food products, and that provides whole meals for hungry child. It’s a super simple concept for a great cause.

You were one of the first cast members to branch out and work on their own music. What inspired your first album?

M: Other casts members have performed and recorded music themselves in their lives, but that wasn’t what inspired me to do this record. It’s just a natural process for me, writing and recording music. It’s apart of my routine, just to do that was natural. There will be many more to come with all kinds of different projects.

How did you come up with the title?

M: The term pipe dreams is an expression used similar to hoop dreams, kind of vision of grandeur that people may tell you are not reasonable. That kind of symbolized my journey to LA to pursue acting and music.

Do you have a favorite song on Pipe Dreams?

M: Probably the title track Pipe Dreams. I mean it’s the simplest most honest track on there.

We hear you have another solo album in the works. What can you tell us about it? Will it have a similar sound?

M: It’s actually not a solo album; it’s a collaboration with a couple other writers. It will be coming out real soon, I’m really excited. It could be a little more electronic. I’m working with a writer/producer who is really good at programming tracks and so fourth. It’s going to have a little bit more of a futuristic sound.

You just finished a great run with the Glee Live tour where your solo was one of the highlights of the night. I have to say, we were surprised at the lack of pranks and practical jokes on stage. What kind of shenanigans went on backstage?

M: Well one thing, one of the cast members were going out on stage and I took a maxi pad and put it on his butt, and he almost went on, but unfortunately one of the wardrobe stylist pulled it off.

Did you have any crazy fan encounters this time around?

M: Nothing too scary or anything. Our fans are generally really respectful, so I haven’t had anything too crazy or insane but having them run after the bus after a few shows.

Speaking of your diehard fans, a friend of mine tells me I just have to ask you about Disc Golf. What is Disc Golf and how did you get involved with the sport?

M: Disc golf is basically a game where you’re trying to get a Frisbee in a chain basket in a matter of three throws. It’s like golf. Its fun, its relaxing, and there are different styles across the world. There’s a lot of people that haven’t heard of it, but its actually quite popular underground you could say.

Is anyone on set able to give you a challenge?

M: Cory just started getting in to it. He’s actually improving really fast. He’s got some long arms, so that really helps. He’s really in to it.

One fan would like to know if you have any embarrassing iPod gems. What's your biggest guilty pleasure song on there?

M: Maybe Rebecca black Friday, because I had to learn it for glee.

Do you have a favorite website that you have to check every day?

M: Just my email.

If I recall correctly, you were the driving force behind the cast covering Rebecca Black's Friday. What is it about that song that you knew would make it a perfect addition to the show?

M: Probably could do an interesting spin on it and that it was really entertaining and the track was hot at the time. I thought it was really relevant, I thought it would be funny and different.

Do you have a favorite Youtube video? Besides Friday of course.

M: I like youtube videos involving animals. There’s this crazy youtube video where this snake bites a woodpecker. It’s pretty interesting.

Fans got to see you as a guest mentor on The Glee Project. How did it feel giving advice to the cast?

M: I was always flattered by that. I was honored to be there. I was happy to give that advice.

Are you excited to work with your new costars?

M: Yes! I’m sure they are going to be very talented and fit right in.

Finally, what can fans expect in Season 3 of Glee?

M: Fans can expect a lot of great new characters to fall in love with, but also some great stories with your old characters. Probably not as many guest stars, but it’s going to be a great season!

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Mark's album: Pipe Dreams and look out for his new music coming soon.

We really appreciate Mark taking the time to ask some questions for us. I gotta say, I'm a little curious which cast member was the Maxi Pad target. I had a great time coming up with questions. My only regret is not getting the chance to compliment Mark on the phenomenal job he did during his scenes with Beth last week.

I'll say it now. Mark, you were great!