WAM first received project funding from the state government in 1989, and in the early 1990s the word "rock" was dropped from the title to give the organisation scope to take on a broader constituency.

Other programs that have been successfully undertaken include the Act of Youth series of all-ages shows, the WA Song Contest (now WAM Song of the Year), Women in Rock and an annual CD compilation of Western Australian musical artists (the first "The Western Front" was undertaken in 1992 and featured The Pink Fluffy Bunnies, Allegiance and Storytime amongst others.)

The Hall of Fame recognises those members of the industry who have made an outstanding contribution to WA contemporary music over their career.

The WAMi Awards were held in the beautiful outdoor setting of the Beck's Verandah, at the Perth Concert Hall.

Jebediah, Carus, The Kill Devil Hills, Red Jezebel, Dom Mariani and the Majestic Kelp and The Panda Band performed live at the ceremony.

The 2006 WAMi Awards were held on Tuesday 21 February 2006 on the Becks Verandah at the Perth Concert Hall, hosted again by Robbie Buck (from Triple J).

The 2007 WAMi Awards were held on Wednesday 21 February 2007 co-hosted by Triple J's Robbie Buck and Rosie Beaton.

The WAMi Awards night included live performances by Drapht, The Kill Devil Hills, Djva, Project Mayhem and the Sneaky Weasel Gang.

The 2010 WAMi Awards were announced Thursday 20 May 2010 at Capitol Nightclub, Perth, with the event hosted by Lindsay McDougall and Peter Barr.

The WAMi Awards night included live performances by Sugar Army, Will Stoker and the Embers, the Brow Horn Orchestra, Black Poet and Hayley Beth.

The 2011 WAMi Awards were announced on 28 May 2011 at The Bakery, James Street Northbridge, with the event hosted by Dylan Lewis and Dom Alessio.

The 2012 WAMi Awards were announced on 2 June 2012 at The Bakery, James Street Northbridge, with the event hosted by Claire Hooper and Dom Alessio.