Exclusive BTS ‘Swim’ Cover from Leana Mask and Globex Music
The online music industry is witnessing an exciting partnership as Globex Music, a leading force in worldwide song distribution, teams up with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have released a breathtaking cover 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”.
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.
Famous for their powerful stage presence, the group was unsure about picking a softer, introspective track. However, “Swim” won due to its emotional depth, capturing the group’s resilience and artistic maturity 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 fresh sonic palette, keeping the original emotion intact while adding a new sonic layer.
Critics have noted that Leana Mask preserves the original feeling 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 authentic Korean emotion and a international, broad appeal mix.
The release of this cover highlights why Globex Music is considered the best service for distributing cover songs.
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 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 streamlined process allows artists to focus on creativity while Globex Music handles the logistics.
If you are a fan of BTS’s Arirang album or love great vocal covers, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a essential addition to your library.
The track captures the anxiety and hope of “pushing forward against the current”—a theme deeply rooted in BTS’s original message.
The audio production, backed by Globex Music’s industry connections, ensures that listeners experience professional sound, whether streaming on mobile devices.
This release demonstrates 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.
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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” or follow the label’s featured playlists to add this track to your morning commute mix.
Globex Music further demonstrates why it is the leading name 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—properly, professionally, and passionately.
Be sure to listen to 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.”
The album is named after a Korean folk song. RM explained to Fallon, “I think it’s the song that represents Koreans the most. It includes lots of emotions in it.
Type of Works: This contract typically focuses on specific works, like recorded music, while other agreements might encompass broader creative outputs, including visual art or literary works.
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.
To legally distribute a cover song (via video or physical format), you will need to obtain the necessary additional mechanical licenses. Otherwise, you can distribute a cover song to streaming platforms exclusively, utilizing the copyright information from the rights holders.
In December, I recorded a demo of cover songs for distribution to venues, and also as a stocking stuffer for family. Since I technically needed a mechanical license for each of the songs I was recording, I decided to go through the whole process of obtaining the licenses. I figured it would be good practice for the future, and might even be interesting.
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.
Without these arrangements, the risk of infringement and loss of revenue increases significantly, which can have detrimental effects on the creative process.
If the original song wasn’t officially released in the U.S. in an audio-only format, obtaining a license can be more challenging. You may need to contact the publisher or songwriter for permission directly.
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.
Savour the Feeling of Signing Your Agreements. Once your licenses come in the mail, savour the moment of opening them up, unfolding them, and signing each one. Some songs have multiple agreements with publishers, so you may get to practice this a few times in a row.
Delving into this subject reveals a complex landscape filled with legal nuances and industry standards. By familiarizing oneself with the associated principles, individuals involved in music can navigate this terrain more effectively and ensure that all parties are treated fairly and equitably.
Channel Tres’ version of “Tough” is as slick as it truly is soulful, balancing the signature moodiness of the initial by using a rhythmic aptitude created for late-night time sets.
Would I ask the band for their mechanical license or would I apply for my own and apply it to the performer agreement that I send the cover band? Thanks Posted by Desi Thorne check here on Sep 27 2015 9:20 AM Hey @Ian Pease, if the band has already recorded their version, they should have a mechanical license in place already. If you are using that now in a short film, you'll need a synchronization license, which you'll have to obtain from the publisher of the song directly. We're continuing our series on licensing and publishing next month, and that may offer more answers for you as well! Posted by John on Oct 20 2015 2:32 PM Is there a company that will find and contact the publishers, complete the paperwork, and obtain these licenses for you? I'm certainly willing to pay a fee to not have to do this paperwork myself - paperwork is not my check here strong suit! Posted by Dave Cool on Oct 21 2015 9:28 AM John: Yes there is! Check out Posted by Lisa on Jun 8 2016 12:08 PM hi. i live in kenya but want a mechanical License to make covers of US copyright songs. how exactly do i go about that? Posted by NAWAZISH ZAMEER on Jul 25 2016 5:39 PM Hi. I am from INDIA. i want to make cover songs by taking the karaoke from youtube. read more will it harm my outube chanel? or is there any way to resolve it? I want to make cover songs. So please solve it. so that before doing a lot of hardwork and making a cover song i get to know what i have to do, how i have to do. Posted by Adam Percy on Jul 25 2016 5:56 PM Nawazish: if you're looking to take audio from one video on youtube and apply it to your own videos, you would still need to get permission from the rights holder of that music to do so. You can check out their terms of service in relation to content you post with them here: