BTS ‘Swim’ Tribute by Leana Mask and Globex Music Is Here
The online music industry is witnessing a powerful collaboration as Globex Music, a dominant player in global music distribution, teams up with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have dropped a stunning interpretation of BTS (방탄소년단)‘s global hit, “Swim.” This release arrives during the height of BTS’s popularity, following the massive success of their latest album, “Arirang”.
To understand the impact of this release, 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, after much discussion within the group.
Known for high-energy anthems, the group was unsure about picking a softer, deeper track. However, “Swim” won due to its emotional depth, representing the group’s resilience and artistic maturity after their military service.
The album broke multiple records upon its March 20 release, with “Swim” accumulating massive plays within hours and dominating platforms like Melon and Spotify.
Covering a track of this magnitude requires not just singing ability, but the right distribution partner—a gap that Globex Music expertly fills.
Leana Mask steps into the spotlight not by copying the original, but by putting her own spin on it.
Her version of “Swim” introduces a new musical dimension, keeping the original emotion intact while adding a new sonic layer.
Critics have noted that Leana Mask maintains the “core emotion” of the BTS original while bringing a “new perspective” that appeals to K-pop fans and general audiences alike.
This release is more than a cover; 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 top distributor 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 safe from copyright claims on all Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
For a flat, budget-friendly flat rate, artists like Leana Mask can distribute their music to dozens of global platforms without worrying about royalty claims.
This efficient system allows artists to focus on creativity while Globex Music handles the logistics.
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 anxiety and hope of “pushing forward against the current”—a theme that stays true to BTS’s original message.
The audio production, backed by Globex Music’s global reach, ensures that listeners experience studio-grade clarity, whether streaming on car speakers.
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 honor their idols professionally and worldwide.
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The Leana Mask cover of “Swim” is currently rolling out across all major platforms. You can find it on all leading DSPs.
Search for “Leana Mask BTS Cover” or follow the Globex Music official playlists to add this track to your daily rotation.
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.
Make sure to check out this stunning tribute of one of K-pop’s biggest hits of 2026.
Distribution: If you plan to sell recordings featuring a composition, a distinct license is usually necessary.
I was fist turned on to the idea of adding cover song’s to Disco Fairy Records’s second release after reading about a fast and easy way to clear mechanical licenses. (Click here to view the article)
If a song was recorded after 1923, chances are that it is not in the public domain. Also, if you do happen to record a song that is in the Public Domain, you must record your own version of it. This means you can’t us someone else’s copyright arrangement without paying website them royalties. 03/30/2014
A cover song is a new performance or recording of a previously copyrighted song by another artist. To legally record a cover song, you need to obtain a mechanical license, which grants permission to reproduce and distribute the copyrighted music, typically through organizations like the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) or the Harry Fox Agency.
The launch has been a historic triumph, described by critics as a “cultural reset.” The album shattered records by selling 3.98 million physical copies on its first day and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The lead single, “SWIM,” is an upbeat alternative pop anthem co-written by RM and produced by hitmakers like Ryan Tedder and Tyler Spry.
Mechanical rights refer to the rights granted to reproduce and distribute a musical composition, while mechanical royalties are the payments made to the copyright holder for those rights.
Cover song licensing costs can vary depending on your licensing territory. In the United States, according to Songfile , the going rate is 12 cents per copy made.
Read more! "After my first experience working with TuneLicensing I knew I had found the best option out there for getting a licence for a cover song. 95% of the time when I request a licence for a cover song the licence is approved in a matter of hours which is amazing and their customer service is also top notch! I wouldn't dream of looking for another company because they go over and above for their customers." - Crispin Earl
Guaranteeing compliance with all lawful rights to acquire royalties for the musician and the authors of the observe on which the quilt track was produced.
- Their performance of “SWIM” at the Guggenheim isn’t just about a catchy track; it’s a statement about flow, risk, and immersion. The word “SWIM” evokes movement through uncertainty, a metaphor for navigating a global entertainment ecosystem that demands constant reinvention.
So, what exactly is considered a cover? A cover is defined as any work that utilizes the same lyrics and melody of the original song. It may be in a different genre than the original song, but it holds to the same melodic and lyrical content of the original piece.
Some distributors like Soundrop simplify the licensing process. They handle the Notice of Intent, liaise with publishers, and manage royalty payments on your behalf. This is particularly helpful as they also track and renew your license as needed.
When you record a cover version of someone else’s song and want to distribute it (via digital download or physical product [cd, vinyl, etc.]) then you need a mechanical license. A cover song is any new recording of a previously released song by someone other than the original artist or composer.
need a mechanical license. In these cases, you would upload read more 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.