Cowan was born in London, England, and attended Rugby School. He grew up in a musical family; his older brother, Tom Cowan (Furse), is a member of the British band the Horrors. This environment influenced his early interest in music.[4]
Career
In 2010, Cowan co-founded The Vaccines with Justin Young, Árni Árnason, and Pete Robertson. He contributed to their first five albums. Cowan left the band in 2022, just before they began work on their new record, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations.[5][6][7][8]
In 2012, Cowan collaborated with his brother Tom from the Horrors, expressing concerns about the decline of pop music and highlighting the enduring appeal of guitar-driven tracks.[9]
Cowan's guitar playing was influential in shaping The Vaccines' sound, which combines elements of post-punk, garage rock, and indie rock.[10]
In 2016, Cowan founded the fashion brand Basic Rights.[11]
After leaving The Vaccines, Cowan started a solo project called Freddie and the Scenarios. His debut album, inspired by his time in Mexico City, reflects a period of recovery from alcohol abuse and was seen as spiritually and creatively stimulating.[12]
Cowan has spoken about the challenges of coping with sudden fame and the pressures of constant touring and recording, mentioning his reliance on alcohol during the early years of the band's success.[13]
In 2023, Cowan's new band, Freddie & The Scenarios, released their debut album, Answer Machine. This project allowed him to explore different musical styles and collaborate with various artists from Mexico City's music scene.[14]
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Cowan spent time in Scotland, which led to introspection and the creation of new music for his solo project.[15]
Cowan has been open about his struggles with sobriety and its impact on his life and music. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he reflected on his life and career, significantly influencing his solo music.[19]
In addition to his musical career, Cowan is a practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and incorporates elements of fitness and discipline from the martial art into his daily life.[20]
