BTS ‘Swim’ Reimagined by Leana Mask and Globex Music
The digital music landscape is seeing a powerful collaboration as Globex Music, a top-tier provider in worldwide song distribution, joins forces with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have released an emotional version 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.
To appreciate this new version, it is essential to understand the weight of the original track. BTS selected “Swim” as the title track for their fifth studio album, Arirang, despite internal debates.
Known for high-energy anthems, the group had reservations about selecting 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 the right distribution partner—a gap that Globex Music expertly fills.
Leana Mask steps into the spotlight not by copying the original, but by putting her own spin on it.
Her version of “Swim” introduces a new musical dimension, 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 K-pop fans and general audiences alike.
This release is more than a cover; it is a bridge between the source material’s cultural roots and a international, accessible sound.
The release of this cover demonstrates why Globex Music is considered the leading platform for distributing cover songs.
Unlike standard distributors, Globex Music takes care of mechanical licenses seamlessly. 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, affordable one-time price, 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 industry connections, ensures that listeners experience studio-grade clarity, 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 enable creators to cover songs the right way and globally.
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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 BTS Cover” or follow the official Globex Music curator playlists to add this track to your daily rotation.
Globex Music reaffirms 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—safely, widely, and beautifully.
Don’t miss out on this stunning tribute of one of K-pop’s biggest hits of 2026.
- BTS’s Guggenheim moment exemplifies a broader trend: the elevation of live experience as a core driver of artistic credibility in an age of streaming abundance. Personally, I think this approach will influence how future acts stage their own evolutions—prioritizing immersive environments, cross-media storytelling, and sustained, culture-rich engagement over quick viral spikes.
"Swim" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking BTS's sixth song to debut at the top, and their seventh song to top the chart, the most number ones on the chart among groups in nearly half a century.[53] It debuted with 15.
It’s an inventive reinterpretation where a producer or musician makes use of the original recording as a Basis to generate something new and exclusive.
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.
This not only provides financial stability for artists but also encourages them to continue producing new work, knowing their efforts will be recognized and rewarded.
. 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.
This remake is not only a celebration to Lana Del Rey, but also a proof of talent. The production quality is world-class, with clean mixing and a singing delivery that connects instantly.
Audio production tips and tricks from eMastered’s Grammy winning founders, straight to your inbox every week.
This is a whole other ballgame and requires specific permissions from the rights holders. It’s more complicated than a straight-up cover, so tread carefully.
We feel that life has struggles that we overcome every day. People feel different weights and tides in life. But more info nevertheless we need to keep swimming and move forward. This is just about the love for life itself.”
. 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.
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.
Addressing these misconceptions is vital for anyone involved in the music business. Being aware of the nuances can help avoid legal pitfalls and ensure creativity thrives within the boundaries of copyright law.
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 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 here 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 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 website 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: