BTS ‘Swim’ Gets New Version by Leana Mask and Globex Music
The digital music landscape is experiencing a remarkable joint effort as Globex Music, a top-tier provider in worldwide song distribution, joins forces with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have unveiled a fresh take 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.
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, even after facing internal hesitation.
Famous for their powerful stage presence, the group hesitated to choose a softer, emotional track. However, “Swim” won due to its emotional depth, capturing the group’s perseverance and growth after their military service.
The album achieved massive success upon its March 20 release, with “Swim” racking up millions of streams within hours and trending on streaming services globally.
Covering a track of this magnitude requires not just vocal talent, but the right distribution partner—a gap that Globex Music expertly fills.
Leana Mask steps into the spotlight by offering something different, but by creating her unique version.
Her version of “Swim” introduces a unique emotional texture, keeping the core message of hope 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, broad appeal mix.
The release of this cover proves why Globex Music is considered the #1 choice for releasing cover tracks legally.
Unlike standard distributors, Globex Music handles all the legal paperwork automatically. 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 hassle-free approach allows artists to focus on performance while Globex Music handles the business end.
If you are a fan of vocal covers or look for emotional music, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a perfect addition to your playlist.
The track captures the tension and release of “moving forward despite obstacles”—a theme that perfectly matches BTS’s original message.
The sound design, backed by Globex Music’s distribution network, ensures that listeners experience crystal-clear audio, whether streaming on mobile devices.
This release highlights how the modern music industry functions: original artists create the legacy, and platforms like Globex Music help rising stars to cover songs the right way and globally.
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The Leana Mask cover of “Swim” is currently going live 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 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.
You might also find contact information for the copyright owner on the liner notes of the CD containing the song you intend to “cover.”
In my opinion, that balance between continuity and reinvention is what keeps a non-Western phenomenon feeling universal rather than niche.
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 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.
If you’re releasing a cover song exclusively on streaming platforms like Spotify, you don’t need a separate mechanical license, as these platforms manage the licensing. However, a mechanical license is necessary if you plan to distribute through streaming and physical or downloadable formats.
UGC or User Generated Content isn't put in the same class as a cover song, so you're free to create a casual interpretation.
Negotiating terms may involve discussing royalties, payment structures, and distribution methods. It is vital to obtain a written agreement outlining the permissions granted.
Preserving the integrity of artistic contributions also plays a significant role in fostering creativity within the industry. By establishing a clear framework for the utilization of musical compositions, these contracts allow artists to explore new avenues for expression.
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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.
Later the band responded to fan questions, including which songs they recommend to people who are just getting into BTS read more and whether the other musicians agree with Jin’s theory that people have two butts.
Keep in mind that this process must be repeated for each distributed territory -- You'll need a license for both the United States and Mexico, for instance, if you distribute to both regions.
Unless if you’ve been living in a cave, its entrance covered by a boulder, the pop music community is all locked-in for the return of BTS, and their new album ARIRANG
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.