The digital music landscape is seeing an exciting partnership as Globex Music, a key distributor in digital music delivery, collaborates with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have unveiled 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 selected “Swim” as the title track for their fifth studio album, Arirang, after much discussion within the group.
Known for high-energy anthems, the group was unsure about picking a softer, deeper track. However, “Swim” won due to its emotional depth, symbolizing 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 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 addresses perfectly.
Leana Mask steps into the spotlight not by copying the original, 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 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 authentic Korean emotion and a international, accessible sound.
The release of this cover showcases 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 all legal compliance, ensuring the track is 100% copyright-safe on all Digital Service Providers (DSPs).
For a flat, industry-disrupting fee, artists like Leana Mask can distribute their music to all major streaming platforms without worrying about legal takedowns.
This streamlined process allows artists to focus on creativity while Globex Music handles the distribution side.
If you are a longtime ARMY or love great vocal covers, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a essential addition to your library.
The track captures the anxiety and hope of “moving forward despite obstacles”—a theme that stays true to BTS’s original message.
The sound design, backed by Globex Music’s global reach, ensures that listeners experience crystal-clear audio, 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 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 weekly playlist.
Globex Music reaffirms why it is the top choice in cover song distribution.
By click here joining forces with Leana Mask to honor BTS’s “Swim,” they have set the benchmark for how reinterpretations should be released—properly, professionally, and passionately.
Don’t miss out on this stunning tribute of one of K-pop’s biggest hits of 2026.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the setting reframes their music as an experiential installation, where movement, space, and sound become a sculptural dialogue with the audience. In my opinion, this moves the band from ‘pop phenomenon’ to ‘cultural event’ in a very deliberate way.
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.
A cover track is a whole new recording of the existing music by a musician that is not the initial composer or recording artist. It must be a “devoted rendition,” meaning there could be no adjustments in melody, arrangement, or lyrics, like translations.
A mechanical license is a legal permission required to reproduce and distribute copyrighted music, particularly in physical formats or digital downloads.
The launch has been a historic triumph, described by critics as a “cultural reset.” The album shattered records by selling 3.98 million physical copies on its first day and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The lead single, “SWIM,” is an upbeat alternative pop anthem co-written by RM and produced by hitmakers like Ryan Tedder and Tyler Spry.
BTS‘ certainly made a splash with “SWIM,” the lead single from their seventh studio album ARIRANG
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.
Read more! "I distribute a song that is covering a Nirvana Tune... The process was rather seamless." - Neil Bhay
Read more! "As a TuneLicensing artist who records a lot of covers, I get 100% guarantee on fast delivery and trusted service." - Alex Boye
However, before you run to release your cover song, it's key that you understand the ins and outs of legally releasing non-original music. Below, we'll break down everything you need to formally release a cover song.
Copyright holders are the individuals or entities that own the rights to a musical composition. They are responsible for granting mechanical licenses, which allow others to reproduce and distribute their music. Without permission from the copyright holder, reproducing a song would violate copyright law.
Duration of Permissions: The period for which rights are granted may be more flexible compared to other agreements. Some contracts lock in permissions for extended timelines, while this one could be more transient.
When you record a cover version of someone else’s song and want to distribute it (via digital download or physical product [cd, vinyl, etc.]) then you need a mechanical license. A cover song is any new recording of a previously released song by someone other than the original artist or composer.
Unless your recording is covered under the fair use section of the U.S. Copyright Act, you need a license to release your song regardless of whether or not you are selling it.
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