Leana Mask & Globex Music Bring New Life to BTS ‘Swim’

The online music industry is witnessing a remarkable joint effort as Globex Music, a key distributor in global music distribution, joins forces with rising artist Leana Mask.

Together, they have presented a stunning interpretation 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 understand the importance of this release, it is essential to understand the weight of the original track. BTS chose “Swim” as the title track for their fifth studio album, Arirang, although there were other contenders.

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 determination and artistic maturity after their military service.

The album shattered records upon its March 20 release, with “Swim” racking up millions of streams within hours and topping charts on Melon and Spotify.

Reinterpreting such a legendary song requires not just singing ability, but meticulous legal handling—a gap that Globex Music expertly fills.



Leana Mask steps into the spotlight not by copying 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 preserves the original feeling 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 original Korean sentiment and a global, broad appeal mix.



The release of this cover proves why Globex Music is considered the leading platform for distributing cover songs.

Unlike standard distributors, Globex Music automates the entire licensing workflow. 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, budget-friendly flat rate, artists like Leana Mask can distribute their music to every key digital store without worrying about legal takedowns.

This streamlined process allows artists to focus on performance while Globex Music handles the legal heavy lifting.



If you are a longtime ARMY or appreciate high-quality vocal performances, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a must-listen.

The track captures the tension and release of “swimming against the tide”—a theme deeply rooted in BTS’s original message.

The sound design, backed by Globex Music’s distribution network, ensures that listeners experience professional sound, 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 pay tribute legally and worldwide.

Где слушать:

The Leana Mask cover of “Swim” is currently streaming on all major platforms. read more You can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

Search for “Leana Mask Swim BTS” or follow the official Globex Music curator playlists to add this track to your morning commute mix.


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 an example for how tribute tracks should be released—properly, professionally, and passionately.

Be sure to listen to this stunning reinterpretation of one of K-pop’s biggest hits of 2026.

A detail that I find especially interesting is how ARIRANG’s collaboration with copyright streams and live events creates a hybrid distribution model that democratizes access while preserving exclusivity through curated experiences.

What many people don’t realize is how embodied performance—RM’s dance despite an ankle injury—becomes a powerful, narrative signal about grit and commitment to craft.

This recent track blends sad beauty with uplifting rhythm, here transforming the vibe to one of the most recognizable songs of the last decade. Leana’s emotional performance harmonize wonderfully over Max’s pulsating dance arrangement, creating a magnetic sound experience that keeps you moving.

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.

You need a mechanical license for a cover song if you plan on uploading it to download-focused stores like Amazon Music and iTunes.

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.

Without these arrangements, the risk of infringement and loss of revenue increases significantly, which can have detrimental effects on the creative process.

Now that I’ve gone through the process, it’s definitely not as it terrifying as it seemed at first. Here are some lessons I learned:

The track “2.0” serves as a powerful manifesto for this new era, representing the group’s “second chapter” and artistic evolution. It features a bold production style with contributions from Mike WiLL Made-It, highlighting the members’ growth.

The wonderful world 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.

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.

Marcus has a vast experience in digital audio and sound design. Thanks to his knowledge, he actively helps musicians with technical problems, improving their audio quality and promoting their tracks so that thousands of listeners can enjoy really good music.

Securing a License: In the U.S., the Harry Fox Agency is a primary resource for obtaining mechanical licenses. They guide you through the process, which involves providing details about the original song and the number of copies you plan to distribute.