Bending the Rules
30s preview
- BPM
- 128
- Open Key
- 8m
- Energy
- 51/100
- Pop
- 0/100
- Length
- 6:38
- Released
- 2007
- Genre
- Techno
- Loudness
- -15.9 dB
- Dynamics
- 15.9 dB
- ISRC
- DEAZ30705114
Key, BPM and audio features: model-based audio analysis · how we measure · catalogue updated July 2026
At 128 BPM in B♭ minor (3A), Bending the Rules is a peak-time tempo techno production. The mix is almost entirely instrumental. Its spectrum is weighted to the sub and kick, with a heavy low end. The master keeps real dynamic headroom. The master keeps unusual dynamic range for club music (crest 16 dB). A 2007 production that still circulates in sets. More underground than 99% of Joel Mull's catalogue. In a set it works best as a mid-set roller.
- Energy:
- calmer than 91% of Joel Mull's catalogue
- Brightness:
- brighter than 82% of Joel Mull's catalogue
Sonic profile
Frequency spectrum
amplitude · bass → treble
- 40%
- Low
- 30-130 Hz
- 28%
- Low-mid
- 130-570 Hz
- 19%
- Upper-mid
- 570 Hz-2.5 kHz
- 13%
- High
- 2.5-11 kHz
FAQ
What key is Bending the Rules in?
Bending the Rules by Joel Mull is in B♭ minor, or 3A on the Camelot wheel.
What BPM is Bending the Rules?
Bending the Rules runs at 128 BPM, a peak-time tempo track.
What mixes well with Bending the Rules?
From 3A it blends harmonically with 4A, 3B, 2A. Moving to 4A lifts the energy a step.
Is Bending the Rules good for peak time?
With energy 51 out of 100 at 128 BPM, it works best as a mid-set roller.
Mixes harmonically
3A → 2A · 4A · 3BFrom 3A, 4A (F minor) lifts the energy a step; 3B (D♭ major) brightens to the relative major; 2A (E♭ minor) cools the energy down a step.
How to mix it
In 3A at 128 BPM: 4A (F minor) — move to 4A to push the floor harder; 3B (D♭ major) — switch to 3B for a mood change without losing the groove; 2A (E♭ minor) — drop to 2A to bring the room down gently.
Pitch range at ±6%: 120-136 BPM — anything in that window beatmatches without sounding stretched.
Key on the fader: without key lock (Master Tempo on CDJs), above roughly +5% it plays a semitone higher, so treat it as 10A rather than 3A; below -5% it reads as 8A. With key lock on, it stays 3A across the whole range.
Programming: a mid-set roller.
Similar tempo
Within ±3 BPM of 128 — beatmatch without a big tempo pull.
More techno
More from Joel Mull
Full profile
Other recommendations
Beyond strict key and genre matches: tracks that still sit in beatmatch range of 128 BPM with a compatible energy and groove — candidates for a key jump or a genre crossover.
