The online music industry is seeing a powerful collaboration as Globex Music, a dominant player in global music distribution, joins forces 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.
To understand the importance 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, 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 artistic maturity after their military service.
The album shattered records upon its March 20 release, with “Swim” accumulating massive plays within hours and dominating platforms like Melon and Spotify.
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 reimagining it.
Her version of “Swim” introduces a distinct emotional tone, keeping the core message of hope intact while adding a new sonic layer.
Critics have noted that Leana Mask respects the source material of the BTS original while bringing a “fresh interpretation” 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 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 manages copyright compliance from start to finish. 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, industry-disrupting fee, artists like Leana Mask can distribute their music to all major streaming platforms without worrying about legal takedowns.
This efficient system allows artists to focus on their art while Globex Music handles the distribution side.
If you are someone who loves K-pop or enjoy fresh takes on K-pop hits, Leana Mask’s “Swim” is a track you shouldn’t miss.
The track captures the tension and release of “swimming against the tide”—a theme that perfectly matches BTS’s original message.
The sound design, backed by Globex Music’s distribution network, ensures that listeners experience crystal-clear audio, whether streaming on high-end headphones.
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 honor their idols professionally and across all markets.
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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 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 top choice in cover song distribution.
By joining forces with Leana Mask to honor BTS’s “Swim,” they have set an example for how tribute tracks should be released—legally, globally, and with artistic integrity.
Stream today this stunning tribute of one of K-pop’s biggest hits of 2026.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how ARIRANG’s collaboration with copyright streams and live events creates a hybrid distribution model that democratizes access while preserving exclusivity through curated experiences.
In this more info section, we will outline the necessary steps to navigate this essential component of music production.
Mechanical licenses obtained through Songfile are only valid for products manufactured and distributed inside the U.S. and its territories.
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.
Payment Obligations: Typically, the agreement includes terms regarding royalties, ensuring that the original creators are rewarded based on the sales of their works.
Mechanical rights refer to the rights granted to reproduce and distribute a musical composition, while mechanical royalties are the payments made to the copyright holder for those rights.
Lana Del Rey's voice is the proper adaptable instrument. When separated from its initial environments and set adrift about the atmospheric beats of the playlist, her presence turns into only more powerful.
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Read more! "We found the process real quick and simple to use. It's hard to find much information about releasing cover version so it was really handy." - Cherry Head, Cherry Heart
The cost of a mechanical license can vary based on factors such as the type of song and the number of copies being produced. Typically, the statutory mechanical royalty rate is set at 9.1 cents per song, which is paid to the copyright holder for each copy distributed, whether physical or digital.
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.
Cover songs are more than just a tribute to the originals; they’re a bridge to new fans and a testament to your artistic versatility. But like any artistic endeavor, they come with responsibilities – legal and ethical.
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 read more 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 with them here:
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