Q: save files from before restore without backup

Hi anotherlucky,

I understand that you've restored your iPhone, and are looking to get your music back, despite not having a backup. I know that it's important to have control of your data, so I'm happy to provide some direction to help with this.

If this music was purchased from the iTunes Store, it's easy to download them to your iPhone again. You can read more about how to do this on your iPhone or through iTunes here:

Download your past purchases - Apple Support

How to download your past purchases:

On an iPhone or iPod touch

1. Open the iTunes Store app.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap More > Purchased > Music.
3. Tap "Not on This iPhone" or "Not on This iPod." 
4. Find the song that you want to download, then tap it. 
5. Tap the Download icon  to the right of the title. Your song downloads to your device.
   

On a Mac or PC

1. Open iTunes.
2. If you’re not signed in, sign in with your Apple ID.
3. From the menu bar at the top of your computer screen or at the top of the iTunes window, choose Account > Purchased. If you're a member of a Family Sharing group, you might see Family Purchases instead of Purchased.
   If you’re using Windows and can’t see the menu bar, learn how to turn it on.
4. Click "Not in My Library" to view purchased content that isn't on your computer.
   
5. Find the item that you want to download, then click the Download icon  in the upper-right corner. Your song downloads to your library.

Have a great rest of your day, and thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. Cheers!