I could use help with restoring my Music library from an external HD and Apple Music's new file structure

Hi all,

I few weeks ago my iMac died and I needed to get it replaced.

My Apple Music library is entirely built from local .mp3s in a folder. I use Library sync in Apple Music so the .mp3s I open in Apple Music locally are matched and available on my phone.

I do not add music from Apple Music; every one of my songs in Apple Music comes from me adding the .mp3 to my local library and it being matched. Unfortunately, when I restored my Apple Music Library my play counts, dates added, ratings, etc. didn't carry over, which is why I want to make sure when I back up THIS Apple Music library all of that is retained.

I have not restored my iTunes Library in some time, and I understand the file structure has changed. This has resulted in some questions I could use some help with.

I have "Keep Music Media folder organized" in Apple Music > Settings > Files.

Questions below. Here is an image to accompany the questions: https://imgur.com/a/DSgqFuN:

• Should I keep various "iTunes" files in the top level "Music" folder? I don't know if they're needed any more since this is now "Apple Music" and no longer "iTunes"?
  • Files include: Library Extras.itdb, Library Genius.itdb, Library.itl, Library.xml
• Am I correct that the folder with local .mp3s should be placed here:
  • Music > Media > "local folder with only .mp3s"
• What is the use of the stand alone "Music Library" file in the "Music" folder? Is that a legacy file or does Apple Music need it now? Is the location below the best place for it?
  • Music > Music Library
• Previous iTunes Libraries
  • No files in here have updated since March, 2018. What is this and do I need the folder?

I just want to get my file structure in an optimal state so that when I back it up in the future I don't lose everything.

Thanks so much in advance for any help you can provide. It's much, much appreciated.