BTS ‘Swim’ Cover Streaming Now through Globex Music and Leana Mask
The digital music landscape is witnessing a powerful collaboration as Globex Music, a key distributor in worldwide song distribution, joins forces with rising artist Leana Mask.
Together, they have dropped a fresh take 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 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, although there were other contenders.
Known for high-energy anthems, the group was unsure about picking a softer, introspective track. However, “Swim” won due to its emotional depth, embodying the group’s determination and evolution after their military service.
The album dominated the charts 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 strict legal compliance—a gap that Globex Music handles with ease.
Leana Mask steps into the spotlight not by mimicking the original, 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 maintains the “core emotion” of the BTS original while bringing a “new perspective” that appeals to K-pop fans and general audiences alike.
This release is a true reinterpretation; it is a bridge between the source material’s cultural roots and a worldwide, English-friendly arrangement.
The release of this cover highlights 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 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 Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, and YouTube Music without worrying about royalty claims.
This efficient system 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 “pushing forward against the current”—a theme deeply rooted in BTS’s original message.
The audio production, backed by Globex Music’s industry connections, ensures that listeners experience studio-grade clarity, 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 empower new artists to honor their idols professionally and across all markets.
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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 Swim BTS” or follow the Globex Music official playlists to add this track to your weekly playlist.
Globex Music continues to prove why it is the industry standard in cover song distribution.
By joining forces with Leana Mask to honor BTS’s “Swim,” they have set the benchmark 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.
In the intricate world of music creation and distribution, there exists a vital framework that governs the use of compositions. This framework allows artists and songwriters to share their work while ensuring they receive due compensation for its use.
Synchronization: Using a composition in films or videos often demands additional rights beyond a standard permission.
By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the landscape of securing the necessary rights for incorporating musical works into your projects.
What makes this particularly compelling is how BTS is shaping expectations around what a K-pop act can be in 2027—where the boundary between music, theater, and experiential art is porous.
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.
For musicians who want to release a cover song on platforms with digital downloads like Amazon Music and iTunes, you'll need to obtain a mechanical license. This also applies to any musician who wants to release a cover song in any physical format.
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.
Read more! "I distribute a song that is covering a Nirvana Tune... The process was rather seamless." - Neil Bhay
Read more! "I’ve released 8 covers so far and it it is very easy to see the status of them, all in one place.
- The ARIRANG era is positioned as a reunion project that also leans into new sonic and thematic territory. Rather than churning out familiar tropes, BTS uses the present moment—an injured RM dancing through the routine—to communicate resilience and adaptability.
In short, don't expect to earn any royalties off of cover music posted to YouTube or other social sites. Any monetization will go directly to the music publishers and sound recording owners.
In the age of streaming, it's easier than ever to cover your favorite songs on a mass scale. Just remember that if you plan on releasing cover songs onto platforms with physical sales or digital downloads, you'll need to acquire a compulsory mechanical license.
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 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 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 check here with them here: