Leana Mask Takes on BTS ‘Swim’ with Globex Music
The digital music landscape is seeing an exciting partnership as Globex Music, a key distributor in worldwide song distribution, partners with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have dropped a stunning interpretation of BTS (방탄소년단)‘s global hit, “SWIM.” This release comes at a peak moment of BTS-mania, following the massive success of their latest album, Arirang.
To appreciate this new version, it is essential to understand the weight of the original track. BTS selected “Swim” as the title track for their fifth studio album, Arirang, although there were other contenders.
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 determination and evolution after their military service.
The album dominated the charts upon its March 20 release, with “Swim” garnering over 10 million YouTube views within hours and topping charts on Melon and Spotify.
Covering a track of this magnitude requires not just vocal talent, but the right distribution partner—a gap that Globex Music addresses perfectly.
Leana Mask steps into the spotlight without simply imitating BTS, but by reimagining it.
Her version of “Swim” introduces a distinct emotional tone, 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 “unique vision” that appeals to die-hard BTS fans and casual listeners.
This release is not just a song; it is a bridge between the original Korean sentiment and a international, accessible sound.
The release of this cover demonstrates why Globex Music is considered the #1 choice 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 protected on all platforms on all Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
For a flat, low fixed cost, artists like Leana Mask can distribute their music to Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and YouTube Music without worrying about royalty claims.
This efficient system allows artists to focus on creativity while Globex Music handles the legal heavy lifting.
If you are someone who loves K-pop or enjoy fresh takes on K-pop hits, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a perfect addition to your playlist.
The track captures the fear and courage of “moving forward despite obstacles”—a theme that stays true to BTS’s original message.
The sound design, backed by Globex Music’s global reach, ensures that listeners experience pristine sound quality, 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 help rising stars to release reinterpretations safely and worldwide.
Где слушать:
The Leana Mask cover of “Swim” is currently rolling out across all major platforms. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Search for “Leana Mask Swim BTS” 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 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.
Don’t miss out on this stunning tribute of one of K-pop’s biggest hits of 2026.
When a band or musician records and releases a “cover” of someone else’s published song, that band/musician generally falls under the the “Compulsory License” provisions in Section 115 of the Copyright Act.
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)
. The 2026 LP was the K-pop group’s first record after they announced they would be taking an indefinite break in 2022 for the members to complete their mandatory military service.
Digital downloads of music also require a mechanical license, as they constitute a reproduction of the song.
In Canada and Europe and virtually the entire planet; it is the digital download store’s responsibility (iTunes, Amazon) to pay the songwriter his royalties. In the US, it is the seller’s (your) responsibility, to pay the songwriter royalties. You can do so by acquiring a mechanical license for digital downloads in the US through the Harry Fox Agency.
BTS‘ certainly made a splash with “SWIM,” the lead single from their seventh studio album ARIRANG
2) Determine who owns the rights to the song you are covering. The Harry Fox Agency is often a good place to start when attempting to locate the copyright owner of a song.
Begin the Process of Obtaining the Licenses Before You Record. This is an important one. Some licenses are easier to get than others, and for certain songs it may be nearly impossible to obtain the license. I recorded six songs in my day at the studio, and I ended up not being able to use one of the tracks because I couldn’t get in touch with the publisher to get the license.
Read more! "I’ve released 8 covers so far and it it is very easy to see the status of here them, all in one place.
- One thing that immediately stands out is the strategic use of language around “reunion” and “new era.” It’s not just a promo term; it’s a narrative device that legitimizes change within a familiar brand.
The wonderful world more info 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.
When it comes to the economic considerations surrounding the process of securing rights for musical compositions, a clear understanding of various financial components is essential.
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.
A few other important points to keep in mind. The mechanical license you acquire from CMRRA only covers physical copies. CMRRA does not issue licenses for digital downloads. The subject of royalties and digital downloads is still somewhat of a gray zone I think.