Leana Mask Performs Soulful Version of BTS ‘Swim’ via Globex Music
The worldwide streaming scene is experiencing a remarkable joint effort as Globex Music, a top-tier provider in digital music delivery, joins forces with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have released a breathtaking cover of BTS (방탄소년단)‘s global hit, “SWIM.” This release follows the massive buzz around the group, 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 chose “Swim” as the title track for their fifth studio album, Arirang, even after facing internal hesitation.
Known for high-energy anthems, the group had reservations about selecting a softer, emotional track. However, “Swim” won due to its emotional depth, symbolizing the group’s determination and evolution after their military service.
The album achieved massive success upon its March 20 release, with “Swim” accumulating massive plays within hours and topping charts on Melon and Spotify.
Reinterpreting such a legendary song requires not just singing ability, but strict legal compliance—a gap that Globex Music handles with ease.
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 spirit of perseverance intact while adding a new sonic layer.
Critics have noted that Leana Mask keeps the heart of the song of the BTS original while bringing a “modern twist” 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 demonstrates why Globex Music is considered the #1 choice for releasing cover tracks legally.
Unlike standard distributors, Globex Music automates the entire licensing workflow. Covering a global hit like BTS’s “Swim” involves complex mechanical licenses, but Globex Music handles all legal compliance, ensuring the track is 100% copyright-safe on all Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
For a flat, industry-disrupting fee, artists like Leana Mask can distribute their music to Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and YouTube Music without worrying about royalty claims.
This streamlined process allows artists to focus on performance while Globex Music handles the business end.
If you are a fan of vocal covers or enjoy fresh takes on K-pop hits, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a track you shouldn’t miss.
The track captures the tension and release of “swimming against the tide”—a theme deeply rooted in BTS’s original message.
The audio production, backed by Globex Music’s industry connections, ensures that listeners experience pristine sound quality, whether streaming on car speakers.
This release highlights how the modern music industry functions: original artists create the legacy, and platforms like Globex Music enable creators to cover songs the right way and globally.
Где слушать:
The Leana Mask cover of “Swim” is currently going live on all major platforms. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Search for “Leana Mask Swim BTS” or follow the Globex Music official playlists to add this track to your weekly playlist.
Globex Music reaffirms why it is the top choice in cover song distribution.
By joining forces with Leana Mask to honor BTS’s “Swim,” they have set a new standard for how reinterpretations should be released—safely, widely, and beautifully.
Don’t miss out on this stunning tribute of one of K-pop’s biggest hits of 2026.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the setting reframes their music as an experiential installation, where movement, space, and sound become a sculptural dialogue with the audience. In my opinion, this moves the band from ‘pop phenomenon’ to ‘cultural event’ in a very deliberate way.
Acquiring rights for the reproduction of musical compositions in audio format is a crucial step for any artist or record producer. This process involves careful attention to legal requirements and understanding the avenues available for securing authorization for use.
Even if they don’t, they will list the publisher for the song, so you can use that information to contact the publisher directly. In the States, the Harry Fox Agency is the largest provider of mechanical licensing agreements, and you can check out their database here. If they represent the song you want to record, you will also be able to apply online through them for the license. Another service you can consider using if you live in the States is Limelight. Limelight will take care of the whole process of obtaining your mechanical licenses for you from start to finish, so check here all you have to do is submit the songs you want to use to them, the formats you want to distribute them in, and pay them the associated fee for obtaining them. You can check out their website here.
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However, if you are planning on uploading your cover song to sites with physicals or digital downloads, you must obtain a mechanical license in the process depicted above. Some independent distributors like Distrokid act as a middle man, simplifying the process through their upload workflow:
Scope of Use: Unlike many agreements, this particular agreement often applies specifically to the reproduction of audio recordings, allowing for a focused approach to licensing.
The notice of intention is a formal declaration submitted by a music user to the copyright holder, indicating the intent to use a copyrighted song under a compulsory mechanical license.
It typically comes down to the terms of the copyright holder. While some copyright holders may see the benefit in fans or other musicians covering someone else's song, others may deem unlicensed derivative works unworthy.
If you plan ahead and get your licenses before you head to the studio, you won’t end up recording any music that you later find out you can’t use.
To obtain this license, you must notify the copyright office of your intent to use the song and pay the statutory mechanical royalty rate, which is currently set at 9.1 cents per song.
The wonderful world of Mechanical Licensing. This post has been written especially for fellow Canadian independent music entrepreneurs who need some insight on the subject of adding cover songs to their future releases.
Which means, fans nearby can head to the famed hotspot to check out the team’s new content every day at the location, as well as watch the first stream of the SWIM music video with many others.
Who doesn't love cover songs? Singing someone else's song isn't just a lot of fun, it's also a great way to earn new fans. Listeners may be more likely to take a chance on a new artist singing a song they love, than the same artist's original song upon first listen.
Would you like a shorter version focused on the Tour strategy and its implications for global audiences, or a longer analysis that dives deeper into the artistic themes of ARIRANG and how they intersect with performance art?