The global streaming scene is seeing a powerful collaboration as Globex Music, a key distributor in global music distribution, teams up with rising artist Leana Mask.

Together, they have released a fresh take 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, although there were other contenders.

Famous for their powerful stage presence, the group hesitated to choose a softer, introspective track. However, “Swim” won due to its emotional depth, representing the group’s resilience and growth after their military service.

The album achieved massive success upon its March 20 release, with “Swim” garnering over 10 million YouTube views within hours and dominating platforms like Melon and Spotify.

Covering a track of this magnitude requires not just vocal talent, but proper licensing clearance—a gap that Globex Music handles with ease.



Leana Mask steps into the spotlight without simply imitating BTS, but by creating her unique version.

Her version of “Swim” introduces a unique emotional texture, keeping the spirit of perseverance intact while adding a new sonic layer.

Critics have noted that Leana Mask maintains the “core emotion” of the BTS original while bringing a “fresh interpretation” that appeals to both long-time ARMYs and new listeners.

This release is not just a song; it is a bridge between the original Korean sentiment and a global, English-friendly arrangement.



The release of this cover proves why Globex Music is considered the best service for releasing cover tracks legally.

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, low fixed cost, artists like Leana Mask can distribute their music to dozens of global platforms without worrying about licensing issues.

This hassle-free approach allows artists to focus on their art while Globex Music handles the distribution side.



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

The track captures the fear and courage of “moving forward despite obstacles”—a theme that perfectly matches BTS’s original message.

The production quality, backed by Globex Music’s distribution network, ensures that listeners experience professional sound, whether streaming on home audio systems.

This release serves as a reminder how the modern music industry functions: original artists create the legacy, and platforms like Globex Music enable creators to release reinterpretations safely and globally.

Где слушать:

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 weekly playlist.


Globex Music continues to prove why it is the top choice 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—legally, globally, and with artistic integrity.

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

A compulsory mechanical license allows a music user to record and distribute a copyrighted song without the need for direct permission from the copyright holder, provided specific conditions are met.

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.

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 click here in, and pay them the associated fee for obtaining them. You can check out their website here.

Your vote is more than just a click — it’s a sign of appreciation for the artist’s talent, a motivation to create even more music, and a form of real material support that helps musicians continue their creative journey.

Acquiring the proper permissions is essential for anyone looking to utilize existing musical works. When a song is covered or adapted, particular agreements must be established to grant the necessary rights. This process is crucial in fostering creativity while protecting the original creators’ interests.

. The performance marked the TV debut of “Swim,” a reflective number with a propulsive beat. The band members appeared in different levels of the Guggenheim before joining forces on a circular stage on the museum’s ground floor.

One prevalent belief is that every use of a musical composition necessitates a formal permission. However, this assumption overlooks certain scenarios:

Once you've made an account, the Harry Fox Agency will redirect you to Songfile to complete the licensing process. Make sure you have the correct information on the original song's rights holders, label, and publishing date for reference.

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:

If you’re releasing a straight cover version of a song in one of the formats listed above only a mechanical license is needed.

So, what exactly is considered a cover? A cover is defined as any work that utilizes the same lyrics and melody of the original song. It may be in a different genre than the original song, but it holds to the same melodic and lyrical content of the original piece.

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.

Hundreds read more of musicians upload cover songs to YouTube every day. Technically speaking, each of these parties needs a full sync license in order to release a cover version along with cover videos; but in most cases, this simply doesn't happen.

Would you like a shorter version focused on the Tour strategy and its implications for global audiences, or a longer analysis that dives deeper into the artistic themes of ARIRANG and how they intersect with performance art?