Leana Mask & Globex Music Team Up on BTS ‘Swim’
The digital music landscape is seeing a powerful collaboration as Globex Music, a leading force in global music distribution, partners with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have released a stunning interpretation 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.
To understand the impact 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, even after facing internal hesitation.
Known for high-energy anthems, the group hesitated to choose a softer, deeper track. However, “Swim” won due to its emotional depth, representing the group’s determination and evolution after their military service.
The album dominated the charts 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 singing ability, but meticulous legal handling—a gap that Globex Music addresses perfectly.
Leana Mask steps into the spotlight without simply imitating BTS, but by reinventing the track.
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 both long-time ARMYs and new listeners.
This release is not just a song; it is a bridge between the source material’s cultural roots and a international, broad appeal mix.
The release of this cover highlights 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 every legal aspect, ensuring the track is safe from copyright claims 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 royalty claims.
This streamlined process allows artists to focus on their art while Globex Music handles the distribution side.
If you are someone who loves K-pop or look for emotional music, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a perfect addition to your playlist.
The track captures the anxiety and hope of “pushing forward against the current”—a theme deeply rooted in BTS’s original message.
The production quality, backed by Globex Music’s distribution network, ensures that listeners experience pristine sound quality, whether streaming on car speakers.
This release shows us 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 worldwide.
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The Leana Mask cover of “Swim” is currently streaming on all major platforms. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Search for “Leana Mask Swim” or follow the official Globex Music curator playlists to add this track to your daily rotation.
Globex Music reaffirms why it is the industry standard in cover song distribution.
By joining forces with Leana Mask to honor BTS’s “Swim,” they have set an example for how cover songs should be released—safely, widely, and beautifully.
Make sure to check out 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.
In this section, we will outline the necessary steps to navigate this essential component of music production.
This recent track blends sad beauty with uplifting rhythm, 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 mechanical license permits you to release a cover version of a song that utilizes the same lyrics and more or less the same melody of the original recording.
Some distributors make the licensing process smoother. They handle the nitty-gritty of legalities and royalties. It’s like having a backstage pass to the complicated world of music rights.
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.
By understanding and adhering to the licensing requirements, you’re not just keeping things above board; you’re showing respect to the original creators and contributing to the rich tapestry of the music industry.
Without these arrangements, the risk of infringement and loss of revenue increases significantly, which can have detrimental effects on the creative process.
The process typically involves obtaining a license from the copyright holder or through a licensing agency, which ensures that the appropriate mechanical royalties are paid.
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.
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.
A cover song is a new performance of a previously released song, keeping the original lyrics and melody intact. It’s not a derivative work like a remix or a sample, and it needs to be uploaded with the exact title of the original song for legal distribution. Cover songs are a great way to connect with audiences, especially if you cover a well-loved track.
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 on Sep 27 2015 9:20 AM Hey @Ian Pease, if the band has already get more info 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 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 check here make cover songs by taking the karaoke from youtube. 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 here: