Leana Mask Takes on BTS ‘Swim’ with Globex Music
The global streaming scene is seeing a powerful collaboration as Globex Music, a leading force in global music distribution, teams up with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have presented a fresh take 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”.
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, 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, embodying the group’s perseverance and evolution after their military service.
The album dominated the charts upon its March 20 release, with “Swim” trending worldwide within hours and topping charts on 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 distinct emotional tone, 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 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 global, 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 manages copyright compliance from start to finish. Covering a global hit like BTS’s “Swim” involves complex mechanical licenses, but Globex Music handles the entire licensing process, 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 dozens of global platforms without worrying about copyright strikes.
This hassle-free approach allows artists to focus on their art while Globex Music handles the logistics.
If you are a fan of BTS’s Arirang album or look for emotional music, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a perfect addition to your playlist.
The track captures the tension and release of “swimming against the tide”—a theme deeply rooted in BTS’s original message.
The production quality, backed by Globex Music’s industry connections, ensures that listeners experience studio-grade clarity, whether streaming on high-end headphones.
This release highlights how the modern music industry functions: original artists create the legacy, and platforms like Globex Music help rising Spotify cover song release stars to cover songs the right way and across all markets.
Где слушать:
The Leana Mask cover of “Swim” is currently available 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 favorite streaming queue.
Globex Music continues to prove why it is the industry standard in cover song distribution.
By joining forces with Leana Mask to honor BTS’s “Swim,” they have set the benchmark for how reinterpretations should be released—safely, widely, and beautifully.
Don’t miss out on this stunning cover version of one of K-pop’s biggest hits of 2026.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how ARIRANG’s collaboration with Netflix streams and live events creates a hybrid distribution model that democratizes access while preserving exclusivity through curated experiences.
Territory: Licensing agreements can be influenced by the geographical regions where the music will be utilized.
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.
In addition to being a private violin teacher and having a degree in music from USC, Alecia started writing music-related articles and product reviews six years ago and has enjoyed this experience greatly. She likes to learn new instruments and write new compositions in her free time.
This typically applies to cover songs and requires the licensee to pay established mechanical royalties to the copyright holder.
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.
This remake is not only a celebration to Lana Del Rey, here but also a proof of talent. The production quality is world-class, with clean mixing and a singing delivery that connects instantly.
Read more! "TuneLicensing is prompt in issuing licenses and the site is easy to navigate. Using the service has really benefited me." - Vanlalchhanhima Ralte
Read more! "We wanted something quick and easy, and that’s what we were able to find here!" - Jess + Gabriel
- The ARIRANG era is positioned as a reunion project that also leans into new sonic and thematic territory. Rather than churning out familiar tropes, BTS uses the present moment—an injured RM dancing through the routine—to communicate resilience and adaptability.
A synchronization license is required when you want to use copyrighted music in audiovisual projects, such as films or videos.
In the age of streaming, it's easier than ever to cover your favorite songs on a mass scale. Just remember that if you plan on releasing cover songs onto platforms with physical sales or digital downloads, you'll need to acquire a compulsory mechanical license.
Ahead of the performance, BTS joined Fallon for a chat about their album, the meaning behind some of their songs, and what they missed about one another while the band was on hiatus.
When producing physical formats like vinyl records, a mechanical license is required to legally reproduce and distribute the copyrighted music.