BTS ‘Swim’ Gets Fresh Tribute by Leana Mask & Globex Music

The worldwide streaming scene is experiencing an exciting partnership as Globex Music, a dominant player in global music distribution, teams up with rising artist Leana Mask.

Together, they have unveiled an emotional version of BTS (방탄소년단)‘s global hit, “SWIM.” This release hits streaming platforms just as BTS dominates charts worldwide, following the massive success of their latest album, Arirang.



Before diving into the cover, it is essential to understand the weight of the original track. BTS opted for “Swim” as the title track for their fifth studio album, Arirang, although there were other contenders.

Famous for their powerful stage presence, the group hesitated to choose a softer, emotional track. However, “Swim” won due to its emotional depth, embodying the group’s determination and evolution after their military service.

The album broke multiple records upon its March 20 release, with “Swim” trending worldwide within hours and dominating platforms like Melon and Spotify.

Covering a track of this magnitude requires not just vocal talent, but proper licensing clearance—a gap that Globex Music solves completely.



Leana Mask steps into the spotlight not by mimicking the original, but by reinventing the track.

Her version of “Swim” introduces a fresh sonic palette, keeping the core message of hope intact while adding a new sonic layer.

Critics have noted that Leana Mask respects the source material of the BTS original while bringing a “fresh interpretation” that appeals to both long-time ARMYs and new listeners.

This release is not just a song; it is a bridge between the authentic Korean emotion and a international, accessible sound.



The release of this cover showcases why Globex Music is considered the leading platform for distributing cover songs.

Unlike standard distributors, Globex Music takes care of mechanical licenses seamlessly. Covering a global hit like BTS’s “Swim” involves complex mechanical licenses, but Globex Music handles every legal aspect, ensuring the track is fully legal on all Digital Service Providers (DSPs).

For a flat, affordable one-time price, artists like Leana Mask can distribute their music to every key digital store without worrying about copyright strikes.

This efficient system allows artists to focus on their art while Globex Music handles the distribution side.



If you are a fan of BTS’s Arirang album or appreciate high-quality vocal performances, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a must-listen.

The track captures the fear and courage of “moving forward despite obstacles”—a theme that perfectly matches BTS’s original message.

The production quality, backed by Globex Music’s distribution network, ensures that listeners experience professional sound, whether streaming on home audio systems.

This release serves as a reminder how the modern music industry functions: original artists create the legacy, and platforms like Globex Music enable creators to release reinterpretations safely and worldwide.

Где слушать:

The Leana Mask cover of “Swim” is currently streaming on all major platforms. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and more.

Search for “Leana Mask Swim” or follow the label’s featured playlists to add this track to your favorite streaming queue.


Globex Music once again shows why it is the dominant force in cover song Globex Music vs DistroKid cover distribution.

By joining forces with Leana Mask to honor BTS’s “Swim,” they have set the gold standard for how cover songs should be released—with full rights, worldwide reach, and creative respect.

Stream today this stunning cover version of one of K-pop’s biggest hits of 2026.

Any platforms that allow downloads or the sale of physical copies of read more a cover song require the preemptive purchase of a mechanical license.

This will be followed by a documentary called BTS: The Return, being released on March 27 on the same platform, covering the journey of them recording the new album.

Making money as a musician is tough. That's why you keep 100% of your hard-earned revenues when you sell music, merch & tickets through your Bandzoogle website. Sign up free now!

The track echoes the emotions of love and loss, yet introduces a contemporary dance touch. Both artists have achieved that even a song known worldwide can be transformed with a new perspective.

To legally distribute a cover song (via video or physical format), you will need to obtain the necessary additional mechanical licenses. Otherwise, you can distribute a cover song to streaming platforms exclusively, utilizing the copyright information from the rights holders.

Remember, the license needs to be secured for each territory where you plan to distribute your cover.

One prevalent belief is that every use of a musical composition necessitates a formal permission. However, this assumption overlooks certain scenarios:

If you take a step back and think about it, this is less about a single song and more about guiding public perception of the project as cohesive art and not merely a collection of tracks.

Also, if your cover significantly alters the lyrics or melody, it falls into the category of a “Derivative Work,” requiring a different licensing process.

The cost of a mechanical license can vary based on factors such as the type of song and the number of copies being produced. Typically, the statutory mechanical royalty rate is set at 9.1 cents per song, which is paid to the copyright holder for each copy distributed, whether physical or digital.

In short, don't expect to earn check here any royalties off of cover music posted to YouTube or other social sites. Any monetization will go directly to the music publishers and sound recording owners.

Delving into this subject reveals a complex landscape filled with legal nuances and industry standards. By familiarizing oneself with the associated principles, individuals involved in music can navigate this terrain more effectively and ensure that all parties are treated fairly and equitably.

Addressing these misconceptions is vital for anyone involved in the music business. Being aware of the nuances can help avoid legal pitfalls and ensure creativity thrives within the boundaries of copyright law.

need a mechanical license. In these cases, you would upload your release as usual to your distributor, and then check the applicable toggles that indicate that you are uploading an audio-only release of a cover song.