Growing up, Cowen was immersed in a diverse musical environment, thanks to his parents. Contrary to the norm, it was often him leading the way to concerts in his childhood. This early exposure shaped his extensive taste and laid the foundation for his musical exploration.

In grade school and throughout high school, Cowen delved into jazz guitar and improvisation, showcasing his talent and dedication by earning the prestigious title of All-State Jazz Guitar Alternate during his senior year—an honor granted to only one guitarist in the entire state of New York. As he entered college at SUNY Oneonta, Cowen had already amassed a broad-ranging catalog of intricately written music, drawing inspiration from an array of influences spanning jam legends like Trey Anastasio and Jerry Garcia to jazz virtuosos like Pat Metheny and Django Reinhardt to fusion masters such as John Scofield and Jimmy Herring.

During his college years, Cowen’s passion for music continued to flourish. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Industry in 2019 from SUNY Oneonta, participating in ensembles and collaborating and learning from mentors such as Jeremy Wall, co-founder of the fusion group Spyro Gyra. It was during this time that Cowen founded his main touring project, Baked Shrimp—a progressive power trio that became a staple in the music scene.

Over seven years, Cowen led Baked Shrimp through numerous cross-country tours, performing over 400 concerts and releasing five albums. The band graced the stages of major music festivals such as Peach Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, and Mile of Music, providing festival support for legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, My Morning Jacket, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mike Gordon (Phish), and more. Cowen performed on the same stage (Main Stage) at Long Island’s Great South Bay Music Festival on the same day as Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead. Cowen and his band provided direct support for prominent acts within the jam and funk community such as The Disco Biscuits, Twiddle, Dopapod, and Kung Fu. Cowen has additionally invited and procured members of these bands to join him and Baked Shrimp on stage for collaboration.

Off the road, Cowen remains dedicated to his craft, frequently performing solo at various venues across Long Island. As an educator, he imparts his knowledge to students of all ages, teaching guitar, piano, and music theory.

In 2024, Cowen looks to launch a new project, building on the success of his previous endeavors. He continues to be actively involved in music management and behind-the-scenes production.